Method and Apparatus for Assigning Mobile Subscriber Identification Information to Multiple Devices

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that manages utilization of mobile subscriber identity information including enabling use of such information by different communication devices. The use of the same mobile subscriber identity information by multiple devices can be based on detecting device identification information associated with a registration request. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/265,396, filed on Sep. 14, 2016. All sections of the aforementioned application(s) are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for assigning mobile subscriber identification information to multiple devices.

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication devices register with networks so that the devices can provide communication services to subscribers. The registration process requires exchanging messages between the mobile communication device and network device(s), as well as exchanging messages between network devices.

As an example as illustrated in FIG. 1, a device can provide mobile subscriber identification information to the network at 101 which is received by a registration function (e.g., a Home Location Register (HLR)). Various information can be exchanged on the network-side and an analysis of the mobile subscriber identification information can be performed resulting in a registration authorization being provided to the device at 102.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a registration process in the prior art;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system that provides communication services and enables re-using mobile Subscriber Identification Information by other devices;

FIGS. 3-6 depict illustrative embodiments of registration processes used in portions of the system described in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method that provides communication services and enables re-using mobile Subscriber Identification Information by other devices;

FIG. 8 depicts another illustrative embodiment of a system that provides communication services and enables re-using mobile Subscriber Identification Information by other devices;

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device that can be utilized in either or both of the systems of FIGS. 2 and 8 and/or can be utilized during the method of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 10-11 depict illustrative embodiments of systems that provide for reuse of mobile subscriber identification information based on registration error messages;

FIG. 12 depicts another illustrative embodiment of a method that provides communication services and enables re-using mobile subscriber identification information by other devices;

FIG. 13 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system that provides for reassignment of mobile subscriber identification information;

FIG. 14 depicts another illustrative embodiment of a method that provides communication services and enables reassigning mobile subscriber identification information to other devices;

FIG. 15 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system that provides for use of a same mobile subscriber identification information by more than one communication device;

FIG. 16 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a database structure that can be utilized during use of a same mobile subscriber identification information by more than one communication device;

FIG. 17 depicts another illustrative embodiment of a system that provides for use of a same mobile subscriber identification information by more than one communication device;

FIG. 18 depicts another illustrative embodiment of a method that provides communication services and enables use of the same mobile subscriber identification information by multiple communication devices; and

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments for managing utilization of mobile subscriber identity information referred to herein as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). The system and methods described herein can enable reuse of an IMSI by a different communication device and/or re-authorizing use by a communication device that previously was authorized to utilize the IMSI. In one or more embodiments, the management of the IMSI reuse can be based at least in part on intercepting registration requests and/or registration error messages. In one or more embodiments, the communication devices can be end user devices, or other devices including Machine-to-Machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In one or more embodiments, a bootstrap IMSI can be utilized in a registration process by a communication device that has been flagged as inactive, where the limited use includes enabling communication with network elements for initiating a registration process without enabling user communication services at the communication device utilizing the bootstrap IMSI.

In one or more embodiments, a same IMSI can be utilized by more than one communication device according to distinguishing between device (e.g., during registration) based on unique device identification information. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure can be a method which includes receiving, by a processing system including a processor, a single international mobile subscriber identity associated with a registration request by a first communication device. The single international mobile subscriber identity can be associated with the first communication device and can be associated with a second communication device. The method includes obtaining, by the processing system, device identification information for the first communication device. The method includes selecting, by the processing system, a first registration function from among a group of registration functions according to the device identification information, where the group of registration functions stores subscriber information including international mobile subscriber identities that are indexed to device identifications. The method includes transmitting, by the processing system, an authentication request to the first registration function, where the first registration function stores first subscriber information including the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to the first communication device, and where a second registration function of the group of registration functions stores second subscriber information including the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to the second communication device. The second registration function does not store the first subscriber information. The first registration function does not store the second subscriber information. The transmitting of the authentication request to the first registration function can enable the first communication device to complete a registration process.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure can include a machine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system of a first communication device that includes a processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can include providing a registration request with a single international mobile subscriber identity to a network server, where the single international mobile subscriber identity is associated with the first communication device and is associated with a second communication device. The operations can include providing device identification information for the first communication device to the network server, where the providing of the single international mobile subscriber identity and the device identification information causes the network server to transmit an authentication request to a registration function that stores subscriber information including international mobile subscriber identities that are indexed to device identifications. The registration function can store first subscriber information including the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to the first communication device and can store second subscriber information including the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to the second communication device. The transmitting of the authentication request to the registration function can enable the first communication device to complete a registration process.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure can include a device having a processing system including a processor and having a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can include receiving a single international mobile subscriber identity associated with a registration request by a first communication device, where the single international mobile subscriber identity is associated with the first communication device and is associated with a second communication device. The operations can include obtaining device identification information for the first communication device. The operations can include transmitting an authentication request to a registration function that stores subscriber information including international mobile subscriber identities that are indexed to device identifications, where the registration function stores first subscriber information including the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to the first communication device and stores second subscriber information including the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to the second communication device. The transmitting of the authentication request to the registration function can enable the first communication device to complete a registration process.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure is a method including receiving, by an identity proxy function executed by a processing system including a processor, a first international mobile subscriber identity associated with a first registration request of a communication device. The method includes accessing, by the identity proxy function, information that identifies a group of international mobile subscriber identities. The method includes responsive to a first determination that the first international mobile subscriber identity is included in the group of international mobile subscriber identities, providing, via an identity provisioning function, the communication device with provisioning information that enables reassignment of a second international mobile subscriber identity to the communication device to facilitate a registration of the communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure can include a machine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system of a communication device that includes a processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can include providing a registration request that includes a first international mobile subscriber identity. The operations can include, responsive to a determination that the first international mobile subscriber identity is designated for limited use, receiving provisioning information that includes a second international mobile subscriber identity. The operations can include facilitating a registration of the communication device utilizing the second international mobile subscriber identity. The registration enables communication services at the communication device. The limited use of the first international mobile subscriber identity includes enabling communication with network elements for the providing the registration request without enabling the communication services at the communication device utilizing the first international mobile subscriber identity.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure can include a device having a processing system including a processor, and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can include providing, to an identity proxy function, information that identifies a group of international mobile subscriber identities. Responsive to a first determination that a first international mobile subscriber identity of a communication device is included in the group of international mobile subscriber identities: the communication device can be provided with provisioning information that includes a second international mobile subscriber identity, and network provisioning data can be provided to a home location register, an authentication center, an equipment identity register, a home subscriber server, a national SIM manager, or a combination thereof. The network provisioning data can indicate a reassignment of the second international mobile subscriber identity to the communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure can be a method that includes receiving, by an identity proxy function executed by a processing system including a processor, a registration error message and a first international mobile subscriber identity associated with a communication device. The identity proxy function can access information that identifies a group of international mobile subscriber identities and that indicates a subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities that have been reassigned to other communication devices. Responsive to a first determination that the first international mobile subscriber identity is included in the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities and that the communication device is not one of the other communication devices that has received a reassignment of one of the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities, the communication device can be provided (e.g., via an identity provisioning function) with provisioning information. The provisioning information can enable one of disabling use of the first international mobile subscriber identity by the communication device, reassignment of a second international mobile subscriber identity from the group of international mobile subscriber identities that is not included in the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities, or a combination thereof.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure can include a machine-readable storage medium, including executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system of a communication device that includes a processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can include providing a registration request that includes a first international mobile subscriber identity. Responsive to a determination that the first international mobile subscriber identity has been reassigned to another communication device and that the communication device is not the other communication device, the processing system can receive provisioning information that includes a second international mobile subscriber identity. The processing system can facilitate a registration process that utilizes the second international mobile subscriber identity and that enables communication services at the communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure can include a device having a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations. The processing system can provide, to an identity proxy function, information that identifies a group of international mobile subscriber identities and that indicates a subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities that have been reassigned to other communication devices. The processing system can, responsive to a first determination that a first international mobile subscriber identity of a communication device is included in the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities and that the communication device is not one of the other communication devices that has received a reassignment of one of the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities, provide the communication device with provisioning information. The provisioning information can enable one of disabling use of the first international mobile subscriber identity by the communication device, reassignment of a second international mobile subscriber identity from the group of international mobile subscriber identities that is not included in the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities, or a combination thereof.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure is a method that includes receiving, by an identity proxy function executed by a processing system including a processor, a registration request associated with a communication device where the registration request includes an international mobile subscriber identity of the communication device. The method can include accessing, by the identity proxy function, information that identifies a group of international mobile subscriber identities and that indicates a subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities that have been reassigned to other communication devices. Responsive to a first determination that the international mobile subscriber identity is not included in the group of international mobile subscriber identities or a second determination that the international mobile subscriber identity is included in the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities, providing, by the identity proxy function, the registration request to a registration function for completing a registration process for the communication device that enables communication services at the communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure can include a device having a processing system including a processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can include receiving an international mobile subscriber identity of a communication device. The operations can include accessing information that identifies a group of international mobile subscriber identities and that indicates a subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities that have been reassigned to other communication devices. Responsive to a first determination that the international mobile subscriber identity is included in the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities and that the communication device is not one of the other communication devices that has received a reassignment of one of the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities, the operations can include providing (e.g., via an identity provisioning function) the communication device with provisioning information that disables use of the international mobile subscriber identity by the communication device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure includes a machine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system of a communication device that includes a processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations include providing a registration request that is received by an identity proxy function operating in a server, where the registration request includes a first international mobile subscriber identity of the communication device. The operations can include, responsive to a determination that the first international mobile subscriber identity has been reassigned to another communication device and that the communication device is not the other communication device, receiving, (e.g., from an identity provisioning function), provisioning information that includes a second international mobile subscriber identity. The operations can include facilitating a registration process that utilizes the second international mobile subscriber identity and that enables communication services at the communication device.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 200 (e.g., a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system) that provides communication services such as to a communication device 210. The communication device 210 can be various types of devices such as a mobile phone or other devices that utilize an IMSI for establishing communication services. The types of communication services can vary including voice services, video, data and/or messaging. System 200 enables IMSI re-use by the same or other communication devices through use of an identity proxy function 250 and an identity provisioning function 350.

System 200 can include various components that facilitate providing the communication services, such as a Base Station Subsystem (BSS) that performs various functions (e.g., allocation of radio channels, paging, transmitting and receiving over the air interface). The BSS can include a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 220 which can include equipment for transmitting and receiving radio signals, antennas, and equipment for encrypting and decrypting communications with a Base Station Controller (BSC) 230. The BSC 230 can serve several different frequencies and different sectors of a cell. System 200 can include a core network with other components such as a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 240, a Visitor Location Register (VLR) 245, a Home Location Register (HLR) 260, an Authentication Center (AUC) 270, and an Equipment Identity Register (EIR) 270.

The MSC 240 can be a primary service delivery node that is responsible for routing voice calls and SMS, as well as other services, such as conference calls, FAX and circuit switched data. The VLR 245 can be a database of subscribers that have roamed into a jurisdiction of a particular MSC served by that VLR. The VLR 245 is illustrated as a stand-alone device but can be integrated with the MSC 240. The HLR 260 can be a central database that contains details of each mobile phone subscriber that is authorized to use the core network. In one or more embodiments, the HLRs can store details of Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (UICCs) (e.g., Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards) issued by the mobile phone operator. In one or more embodiments, IMSIs can be unique identifiers which are the primary key to each HLR record. In one or more embodiments, MSISDNs, which are the telephone numbers used by mobile phones to make and receive calls, can also be a primary key to a particular HLR record. Other data can be stored in the HLR 260 (e.g., indexed to a particular IMSI), such as communication services that the subscriber has requested or is authorized to utilize, GPRS settings to allow the subscriber to access packet services, a current location of subscriber call divert settings applicable for each associated MSISDN, and so forth.

The AUC 270 can perform a function to authenticate each UICC that attempts to connect to the core network (e.g., when the phone is powered on). Once the authentication is successful, the HLR 260 can manage the UICC and authorized communication services. The EIR 280 can maintain a list of mobile phones (e.g., identified by their International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI)) which are to be monitored or are to be prohibited from utilizing the network. The EIR 280 can be a database that contains information about the identity of the mobile equipment that prevents calls from stolen, unauthorized or defective mobile stations. In one or more embodiments, the EIR 280 can log handset attempts that are stored in a log file. The EIR 280 is illustrated as a stand-alone device but can be integrated with the HLR 260. System 200 can include other features such as an Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC) that enables or otherwise facilitates the operation, administration and maintenance of a GSM network.

The communication system 200 can provide Over-The-Air (OTA) technology to communicate with, download applications to, and manage a UICC without being connected physically to the UICC. As an example, an OTA gateway 280 can communicate with a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 290 for delivering provisioning information to the communication device 210, as well as propagating information to other network elements. For instance, OTA gateway 280 can transform information (e.g., service requests, provisioning information, and so forth) into short messages which are provided to the SMSC 290 for delivery to the communication device 210. In one embodiment, the OTA gateway 280 receives service requests through a gateway API that indicates the actual UICC to modify, update, and/or activate. In one embodiment, the OTA gateway 280 can have a UICC database that indicates for each UICC, the vendor, a UICC identification number, the IMSI and the MSISDN. In one embodiment, the service request can be formatted by the OTA gateway 280 into a message that can be understood by the recipient UICC, such as through use of libraries accessible to (or stored by) the OTA gateway that contain the formats to use for each brand of UICC. The resulting formatted message can then be sent to the SMSC 290 for delivery.

The identity proxy function 250 can be a stand-alone device (e.g., positioned between the BSS and the MSC 240), or can be integrated with other components of the system 200 such as being executed by a server that also executes the MSC/VLR functions. In one or more embodiments, the identity proxy function 250 is configured so that information (e.g., a registration request) being sent to a registration function (e.g., the HLR 260) is intercepted or otherwise first received by the identity proxy function prior to being received by the MSC 240, the VLR 245 and the HLR 260. The particular positioning of the identity proxy function 250 with respect to other network elements can vary provided that the identity proxy function maintains its ability to manage use and re-use of IMSIs. In one embodiment, a single identity proxy function 250 can be utilized for a set of MSC/VLR and HLR.

In another embodiment, multiple identity proxy functions 250 can be utilized for each set of MSC/VLR and HLR, where the identity proxy functions are positioned at various points in the core network such as between the BSS and the MSC 240 and between the VLR 245 and the HLR 260 (shown as dashed lines in FIG. 2). In one embodiment where multiple identity proxy functions 250 are utilized, they can communicate with each other for implementing the management of the use and re-use of the IMSIs.

In one embodiment, an interface 255 can be established between the identity proxy function 250 and other network components, such as the HLR 260. For example, the interface 255 can enable the identity proxy function 250 to communicate directly with the HLR 260 so as to bypass communication with the VLR. For instance and as described herein, the identity proxy function 250 can simulate function(s) of the VLR 245 such as SRES comparison, and the interface 255 can enable obtaining data needed for the SRES comparison.

System 200 can also include an identity provisioning function 350 for providing information to various devices including the communication device 210, and network element(s). In one embodiment, the identity provisioning function 350 can maintain a listing of the designated IMSIs and can provision identity proxy functions throughout the network with this listing. The identity provisioning function 350 can be a separate device that is in communication with the identity proxy function 250. In one embodiment, the identity provisioning function 350 can provide for OTA provisioning of the communication device 210 via a registration simulation platform as described herein, as well as propagate other information to various network elements (e.g., communicating notices of reassigned IMSIs or other information to the HLR 260, the AUC 270 and/or the EIR 280). In one embodiment, the identity provisioning function 350 can be in communication with the OTA gateway 280 and can utilize the services of the SMSC 290 to provision communication devices. The functions performed by the identity proxy function 250 and the identity provisioning function 350 in managing IMSI reuse can vary. In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 250 can be utilized as a point of IMSI screening and further determinations as to what steps should be taken to manage the particular IMSI can be made by the identity provisioning function 350 based on a detection or screening message received by the identity provisioning function 350 from the identity proxy function 250. In other embodiments, the identity proxy function 250 can take a more active role in determinations of the appropriate steps to be taken to manage the particular IMSI.

Referring to FIG. 3 which illustrates a portion of system 200 and may or may not include intermediate network components in the message exchange paths, the identity proxy function 250 can have access to a list of IMSIs that are designated for potential reassignment or as having already been reassigned to another communication device. For instance, the identity provisioning function 350 can maintain the listing of the designated IMSIs at 301 and can provision identity proxy functions throughout the network with this listing at 302. The listing of the designated IMSIs can be generated based on various criteria.

This provisioning information associated with the IMSIs can be utilized by the identity proxy function 250 to manage or otherwise facilitate registration by communication devices and reuse of IMSIs. For example, the identity proxy function 250 can determine that an IMSI is not included in the listing of the designated IMSIs in which case a registration request associated with that IMSI would be forwarded to the MSC 240 for completing a registration process.

As another example, the identity proxy function 250 can determine that an IMSI is included in the listing of the designated IMSIs but is not included in the subset of IMSIs that has already been reassigned in which case the identity proxy function 250 would know that an original device (which has been flagged as inactive) is attempting to register with the network. The identity proxy function 250 could then take appropriate steps for providing service to the original device, such as causing (e.g., via the identity provisioning function 350) reauthorizing use of the IMSI if services are now authorized (e.g., payment of services has been received) or causing the providing of nullification information to the original device (e.g., via the identity provisioning function 350, a registration simulation platform, the OTA 280 and/or the SMSC 290) to further cause use of the IMSI at the original device to be disabled if services are not authorized or the device/UICC are not compatible with current network service. In one or more embodiments, the identity proxy function 250 can provide a notice to the identity provisioning function of detection of a particular IMSI and the identity provisioning function 350 can then take appropriate steps for managing the reuse of IMSIs.

As another example, the identity proxy function 250 can determine that an IMSI is included in the listing of the designated IMSIs and is also included in the subset of IMSIs (which have already been reassigned). Responsive to these determinations, a further determination can be made as to whether the device is the original device associated with the IMSI prior to the reassignment or whether the device is the new device that has been reassigned the IMSI. The identity proxy function 250 and/or the identity provisioning function 350 could then take appropriate steps for allowing registration of the new device that has been reassigned the IMSI or for providing service to the original device. For instance, another IMSI can be reassigned (e.g., via the identity provisioning function 350) to the original device from the listing of designated IMSIs (which has not already been reassigned) if services are now authorized (e.g., payment of services has been received). In another embodiment, nullification information can be provided to the original device (e.g., via the identity provisioning function 350) to cause use of the original IMSI at the original device to be disabled, such as where another IMSI is to be reassigned to the original device.

In one embodiment, IMSIs can be designated for potential re-use due to suspension of services for a subscriber such as for non-payment or for another reason. In one embodiment, IMSIs can be designated for potential re-use due to a lack of use of the IMSI (or the device having a UICC that utilizes the IMSI) for a threshold time period, such as a mobile phone that has not attempted to register with a network (e.g., the GSM network or some other network including LTE or UMTS) in six months. In one embodiment, IMSIs can be designated for potential re-use according to a confirmation that the UICC has been damaged, lost, stolen and so forth. In one or more embodiments as the IMSIs are reassigned to other devices, those particular IMSIs can be further flagged as having been reassigned (i.e., flagged as a subset of the list of designated IMSIs). The identity provisioning function 350 can keep the identity proxy function 250 (as well as other identity proxy functions throughout the network) apprised of the list of designated IMSIs as well as the subset of those IMSIs that have already been reassigned to another communication device so that the identity proxy function 250 can accurately perform an IMSI screening process when registration requests are received.

Referring to FIG. 4 which illustrates a portion of system 200 and may or may not include intermediate network components in the message exchange paths, another communication device 410 can be reassigned an IMSI from the designated IMSIs where the IMSI was previously associated with the communication device 210 (which has been flagged as inactive). In this example at 401, the identity provisioning function 350 can receive a request, be instructed or otherwise determine that the IMSI (in the list of designated IMSIs) is to be reassigned to the communication device 410. The communication device 410 can be a new device that needs an IMSI to provide communication services or an existing device that requires another IMSI due to some other reason, such as having its own IMSI reassigned to a different device.

At 402, the identity provisioning function 350 can notify the HLR 260 that the communication device 410 is now associated with the particular reassigned IMSI. This can include deleting an original IMSI assignment for the communication device 410 and/or adding the new IMSI assignment for the communication device 410 in the database of the HLR 260. In one embodiment, this notification can cause the HLR 260 to perform a database update such as re-mapping to particular HLR records, adjusting mapping with respect to MSISDNs, adjusting an identification of available communication services that the subscriber has requested or is authorized to utilize, adjusting GPRS settings to allow the subscriber to access packet services, and so forth.

At 403, the identity provisioning function 350 can notify the identity proxy function 250 that the communication device 410 is now associated with the particular reassigned IMSI. In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 250 can already be aware that the IMSI is part of a group of IMSIs designated for potential reassignment and can already be aware that the communication device 210 has been flagged as inactive. In this example, the identity proxy function 250 can switch a designation of the particular IMSI to being flagged as within the subset of the designated IMSIs that have already been reassigned to another device (i.e., the communication device 410 in this example).

Referring to FIG. 5 which illustrates a portion of system 200 and may or may not include intermediate network components in the message exchange paths, the identity proxy function 250 facilitates registration of devices that have been reassigned IMSIs by intercepting or otherwise receiving registration requests, such as prior to the registration request being provided to the MSC 240, the VLR 245 and the HLR 260. For example at 501, the communication device 410 (which has been reassigned an IMSI from the listing of designated IMSIs where the IMSI was previously associated with the communication device 210) can request registration with the network. A registration request including the reassigned IMSI can be received by the identity proxy function 250 which determines whether or not the particular IMSI is part of the group of designated IMSIs and whether a reassignment to another device has already occurred. In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 250 and/or the identity provisioning function 350 can identify the particular device requesting registration with the network. For instance, device identification information (e.g., an IMEI) can be obtained for the communication device 410, such as being received from device 410 or from another source.

At 502, if the received IMSI is determined as having already been reassigned to another device and if the communication device 410 is determined to be that other device then identity proxy function 250 can forward the registration request to the MSC/VLR (or another registration function server) for processing of the registration of the communication device 410. At 503 and 504, messaging associated with the registration process can be exchanged such as between the HLR 260, the VLR 245, the identity proxy function 250, and/or the communication device 410.

The particular messaging that makes up the registration request and the registration process can vary. In one embodiment, the communication device 410 can send a Channel Request message to the BSS on a Random Access Channel (RACH) and the BSS can respond on an Access Grant Channel (AGCH) with an Immediate Assignment message while assigning a Stand Alone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH) to the communication device 410. The communication device 410 can switch to the assigned SDCCH and can send a Location Update Request to the BSS. The communication device 410 can send its IMSI to the BSS. The BSS can forward the Location Update Request/IMSI (i.e., a registration request) which is received or intercepted by the identity proxy function 250 which determines whether the received IMSI is already reassigned to another device and if the communication device 410 is that other device. If so, then the registration request is forwarded by the identity proxy function 250 to the MSC 240/VLR 245 which in turns forwards the registration request to the HLR 260, along with a request for verification of the IMSI and a request for authentication triplets (RAND, Kc, SRES). The HLR 260 can forward the IMSI to the AuC 270 and can request the authentication triplets. The AuC 270 can generate the authentication triplets and can send them, along with the IMSI, back to the HLR 260. The HLR 260 can validate the IMSI by ensuring it is allowed on the network and it is authorized for subscriber services. The HLR 260 can then forward the IMSI and the triplets to the VLR 245 which stores the SRES and the Kc, and can also forward the RAND to the BSS. The VLR 245 can utilize the BSS to authenticate the communication device 410. The BSS can send the communication device 410 an Authentication Request message with the only authentication parameter being sent in the message being the RAND. The communication device 410 can use the RAND to calculate the SRES and can send the SRES back to the BSS on the SDCCH in an Authentication Response. The BSS can forward the SRES to the VLR 245 which compares the SRES generated by the AuC with the SRES generated by the communication device. If the SRESs match then authentication is completed successfully. The exemplary embodiments can also utilize other messaging techniques and paths for registration of the communication device 410.

In one embodiment, the VLR 245 can forward the Kc for the communication device 410 to the BSS where the Kc is not sent across the air interface to the communication device. The BSS can store the Kc and can forward a Set Cipher Mode command to the communication device 410 where the command only indicates which encryption to use. The communication device 410 can switch to cipher mode using the particular encryption algorithm (e.g., A5) so that all transmissions are now enciphered and can send a Ciphering Mode Complete message to the BSS. The VLR 245 can send a Location Updating Accept message to the BSS and also generate a new Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) for the communication device. The BSS can send the TMSI to the communication device 410 which can respond with a TMSI Reallocation Complete message that is forwarded to the VLR 245. The BSS can instruct the communication device 245 to go into idle mode by sending it a Channel Release message and can then deassign the SDCCH. The VLR 245 can send an Update Location message to the HLR 260 which records the particular MSC/VLR the communication device is currently associated with.

In one embodiment such as where the identity proxy function 250 is unable to obtain device identity information (e.g., the IMEI) for the communication device 410, the identity proxy function 250 can simulate the registration process to obtain information that enables discerning whether the communication device 410 is the device that has been reassigned the IMSI or is the original device that was previously associated with the IMSI prior to the reassignment. As an example, the identity proxy function 250 can simulate the registration process so as to obtain an SRES generated by the communication device 410. From that generated SRES, the identity proxy function 250 can detect whether the communication device 410 is the device that has been reassigned the IMSI or is the original device that was previously associated with the IMSI prior to the reassignment. In this example, the identity proxy function 250 can communicate with other necessary components for obtaining data that is utilized in the registration process such as bypassing the VLR 245 and communicating via the interface 255 with the HLR 260 to obtain the authentication triplets. In this example, since the identity proxy function 250 requested the authentication triplets, the HLR 260 will obtain them from the AUC 270 and provide them back to the identity proxy function rather than providing them to the VLR 245. In one embodiment, the simulation of the registration process and the forcing of an SRES generation by the communication device 410 can be utilized to identify the particular device according to a secret key (in combination with the RAND provided by the identity proxy function 250) that the communication device would utilize in generating the SRES. The secret keys can be known or otherwise accessible to the identity proxy function 250 so that the secret key could be utilized to detect which device is generating the registration request. As an example, the secret key can be used during multiple cryptographic operations which can include the authentication of the device (e.g., in all networks) and the network (e.g., in UMTS and LTE).

In one embodiment, rather than utilizing the interface 255, system 200 can utilize first and second identity proxy functions 250 that are positioned between the communication device 210 and the MSC 240 and positioned between the VLR 245 and the HLR 260, respectively. The first and second identity proxy functions 250 can communicate with each other, such as to bypass the VLR 245 when the identity proxy functions 250 are simulating a registration process and forcing the communication device 410 to generate an SRES. In one embodiment, once the identity proxy function 250 has determined the identity of the device (original device vs. new device), the identity proxy function 250 can require that the communication device perform a re-registration.

Referring to FIG. 6 which illustrates a portion of system 200 and may or may not include intermediate network components in the message exchange paths, the identity proxy function 250 facilitates registration of devices where the particular IMSI has been designated for potential reassignment or has already been reassigned by intercepting or otherwise receiving registration requests, such as prior to the registration request being provided to the MSC 240, the VLR 245 and the HLR 260. For example at 601, the original device 210 can request registration with the network. The original device 210 may have been flagged as inactive, such as for non-use over a threshold period of time, suspension of services for non-payment, a customer requesting discontinuation of services, and so forth. A registration request including the IMSI can be received by the identity proxy function 250 which determines whether or not the particular IMSI is part of the group of designated IMSIs and whether a reassignment has already occurred. In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 250 can identify the particular device requesting registration with the network. For example, device identification information (e.g., an IMEI) can be obtained for the original device 210, such as being received from device 210 (e.g., in the registration request). As another example, if the IMSI has not been reassigned but is part of the IMSIs designated for potential reassignment then the identity proxy function 250 can determine that the device requesting registration is the original device 210 that has been flagged as inactive. The identification of the device can be based on simulating the registration process and forcing a generation of an SRES by the communication device 210, as described herein.

In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 250 and/or the identity provisioning function 350 can determine whether the original device 210 is eligible for services. If the original device 210 is not eligible for services (e.g., suspension of services for non-payment or other reasons, device/UICC is no longer compatible with network or services, and so forth) then the identity proxy function 250 can cause or otherwise facilitate or enable provisioning information to be provided (e.g., via the identity provisioning function 350) to the original device 210 to cause the original device to disable its use of the IMSI. In this example, the IMSI can then be removed from the designated listing of IMSIs and can instead be included with other IMSIs (e.g., that have never been used before) that are eligible for assignment.

In one embodiment, if the IMSI has not yet been reassigned then the identity proxy function 250 and/or the identity provisioning function 350 can determine whether to allow the original device 210 to utilize that original IMSI, such as confirming that the subscriber is eligible for services (e.g., based on payment for services or other actions that removed a suspension of services). If the original device 210 is permitted to utilize its IMSI, then identity proxy function 250 can forward the registration request (based on the original IMSI) to the MSC 240/VLR 245 and can provide a notification (e.g., to the identity provisioning function 350) to remove the IMSI from the listing of designated IMSIs and to further adjust the status of the original device 210 from an inactive status to an active status.

In one embodiment, if the IMSI has already been reassigned to another device then the identity proxy function 250 and/or the identity provisioning function 350 can confirm that the subscriber of the original device 210 is eligible for services and can obtain reassignment of another IMSI (from the designated list of IMSIs) for the original device. For example at 602, responsive to a determination that the IMSI has already been reassigned to another device and a determination that the subscriber of the original device 210 is eligible for services then the identity proxy function 250 can provide a request to the identity provisioning function 350 for another IMSI from the listing of designated IMSIs (which is not in the subset of IMSIs that has already been reassigned) or the identity proxy function 250 can receive the other IMSI from the identity provisioning function 350 based on a determination made by the identity provisioning function 350. In one embodiment, the original device 210 can continue to utilize its original secret key (which is mapped to the original device by the network). In one embodiment, the determination of eligibility for services can be made by the identity provisioning function 350 such that the identity proxy function 250 transmits the request to the identity provisioning function 350 for another IMSI responsive to a determination that the IMSI has already been reassigned to another device and the identity provisioning function 350 can approve or deny the request.

Continuing with this example at 603, the identity provisioning function 350 can notify various network elements (e.g., the HLR 260) that the communication device 210 is now associated with the particular reassigned IMSI. This can include the HLR 260 deleting an original IMSI assignment for the communication device 210 and/or adding the new IMSI assignment for the communication device 210 in its database. In one embodiment, this notification can cause the HLR to perform a database update such as re-mapping to particular HLR records, adjusting mapping with respect to MSISDNs, adjusting an identification of available communication services that the subscriber has requested or is authorized to utilize, adjusting GPRS settings to allow the subscriber to access packet services, and so forth.

At 604, the identity provisioning function 350 can provide provisioning information to the communication device 210 via an OTA platform that causes the UICC to be adjusted so that the reassigned IMSI is now utilized by the device for communication services. In one embodiment, to send an OTA provisioning message to a device that has not completed registration to a target network, a simulating network can be used to intercept (e.g., prior to being received by a VLR in GSM or an MME in LTE) and complete the registration. The simulating network can send an OTA message to the device that can cause the modification of the device IMSI and can cause the device to perform a re-registration to the target network. For example, the simulating network can comprise a set of functional elements (e.g., registration simulation platform 675) that exist in the target network. This can include an MSC/VLR, a MME, a HLR or HSS, an AUC, a SMSC, an OTA platform, a SGW, a PGW, an EIR and/or any combination thereof. The AUC of registration simulation platform 675 can contain the secret key of the device and the HSS/HLR can be provisioned to allow the device to register. Other pre-provisioning functions can be performed. For instance, the registration simulation platform 675 can be integrated into the identity proxy function 250 (illustrated in FIG. 6), the identity provisioning function 350 and/or can exist as a standalone device. In one embodiment, the identity provisioning function 350 can become aware of the registration to the registration simulation platform 675 by notification from the registration simulation platform 675 and/or from the identity proxy function 250. In this example, the identity provisioning function 350 can instruct the registration simulation platform 675 to perform an OTA to modify an IMSI of that particular device. The identity provisioning function 350 may provide an update to the identity proxy function 250 regarding the content of the requested OTA. In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 350 can first detect an error message, then perform an action such as not forwarding the error to the device to cause the device to reattempt the registration, and finally intercept the reattempt and forward to the registration simulation platform 675.

In another embodiment, the identity provisioning function 350 can provide provisioning information to the communication device 210 via the OTA 280 and the SMSC 290 that causes the UICC to be adjusted so that the reassigned IMSI is now utilized by the device for communication services. In another embodiment at 605, the communication device 210 can then attempt to re-register utilizing the reassigned IMSI. The identity proxy function 250 can receive the registration request for the communication device 210, which now includes the reassigned IMSI and at 606-608 the registration process (via the VLR 245 and the HLR 260) can be completed based on the reassigned IMSI. In one or more embodiments, the identity provisioning function 350 can provision a National SIM Manager (NSM) with the reassigned IMSI for the original device where the secret key of the original device is already known. In another embodiment, the identity provisioning function 350 can be integrated with equipment of the NSM. In one embodiment, a billing system can detect the change in IMSI for the UICC and can provision some or all other network elements necessary for enabling call processing (e.g., HLR 260, AUC 270).

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 700 used by system 200 for facilitating the re-use of IMSIs. One or more of the steps of method 700 can be performed by the identity proxy function 250, the identity provisioning function 350 and/or by other devices described in FIGS. 2-6. At 702, an IMSI can be received that is associated with a communication device. For instance, the IMSI can be part of a registration request that is generated by or caused to be generated by the communication device. At 704, a determination of the status of the ISMI can be made. For example, the identity proxy function 250 can determine whether the IMSI is included in a designated group of IMSIs and if so can further determine whether the IMSI is included in a subset of the group which is further designated as having already been reassigned to another communication device. If the IMSI is not part of the designated group of IMSIs then the registration process can be continued by forwarding the registration request and/or IMSI to the MSC 240/VLR 245 to perform the registration at 706. If on the other hand the IMSI is part of the designated group of IMSIs then a determination can be made at 708 as to whether the registration request is for an original device that was associated with the IMSI (e.g., prior to being reassigned) or whether the registration request is for a new device that has been reassigned the IMSI. The identification of the particular device can be performed in a number of different ways, such as based on device identification information (e.g., IMEI), simulating a registration process to force an SRES generation by the device from which the device identification can be determined, and so forth.

If the registration request and the IMSI are from a new device that has been reassigned the IMSI then the registration process can be continued by forwarding the registration request and/or IMSI to the MSC240/VLR 245 to perform the registration at 706. If on the other hand the registration request and the IMSI are from an original device (e.g., a device that the IMSI was previously associated with prior to being added to the listing of designated IMSIs) then a determination can be made at 710 as to whether the subscriber of the original device is eligible for communication services. Eligibility for services can be based on various factors and can be determined by various components or a combination of components, such as based on billing, device hardware requirements, device software requirements, and so forth. If the subscriber of the original device is not eligible for communication services then at 712 provisioning information can be provided to the original device (e.g., via OTA provisioning by the identity provisioning function 350 such as through use of registration simulation platform 675) that causes disabling the use of the particular IMSI by the original device. In one embodiment, if the IMSI has not already been reassigned then it can be removed from the listing of designated IMSIs and provided to another communication device (e.g., the identity proxy function 250 can forward the IMSI automatically to the MSC240/VLR 245 for completion of registration associated with a new device that utilizes the IMSI).

If on the other hand the subscriber of the original device is eligible for communication services then at 714 the original device can be authorized to utilize the particular IMSI (e.g., if it is determined that the particular IMSI has not yet been reassigned) or the original device can be provisioned with another IMSI (e.g., if it is determined that the original IMSI has already been reassigned to another device). In one embodiment, the new IMSI reassigned to the original device can be selected from the listing of designated IMSI (which is not included in the subset of IMSIs that has already been reassigned). Method 700 can then proceed to 706 where the registration process is completed.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 7, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

In one or more embodiments, eligibility for services can be determined according to a viability of the UICC. For example, if it is determined that the UICC is no longer compatible with the network (e.g., it cannot perform certain functions requested by the network or cannot facilitate certain communication services) then the device/UICC can be designated as being ineligible for service and provisioning information can be sent to the device (e.g., via registration simulation platform 675) to nullify or otherwise disable use of the IMSI by that device/UICC. In one embodiment, if it is determined that the UICC is not viable or otherwise is incompatible with the network then the subscriber of the original device can be provided with a request to upgrade the UICC (which may or may not utilize the same IMSI), such as forwarding a message including an offer to the original device. In this example, the IMSI can be removed from the listing of designated IMSIs. One or more of the determinations described with respect to any of the exemplary embodiments can be made by the identity proxy function 250, the identity provisioning function 350, or another network device.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 800 (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system) that provides communication services such as to a communication device 810. The communication device 810 can be various types of devices such as a mobile phone or other devices that utilize an IMSI for establishing communication services. The types of communication services can vary including voice services, video, data and/or messaging. System 800 enables IMSI re-use by the same or other communication devices through use of an identity proxy function 850 and an identity provisioning function 899. System 800 can perform many of the same functions as described with respect to system 200 including intercepting a registration request with an IMSI, determining an identity of a device requesting registration, processing registration requests according to whether the IMSI is a designated IMSI and whether the IMSI has already been reassigned to another device, reassigning an IMSI to an original device that has come back online, reauthorizing use of an original IMSI for an original device that has returned to being service eligible, and so forth.

System 800 can utilize the identity proxy function 850 to perform functions similar to those described with respect to the identity proxy function 250 of system 200 for facilitating the re-use of IMSIs. System 800 can include various components that facilitate providing the communication services, including an eNodeB (eNB) 825 that functions as hardware that communicates directly wirelessly with mobile handsets similar to the BSS of the GSM network of system 200, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 840 that functions as a control-node for the LTE access-network, and a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 860 that functions as a central database to contain user-related and subscription-related information and which provides user authentication and access authorization functionality. The HSS 860 is similar to the HLR 260 and AUC 270 of the GSM network of system 200. Other components can also be included in the system 800 such as an EIR, S-GW, PDN GW, ePDG, SGSN and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the identity proxy function 850 can be positioned between the eNB 825 and the MME 840 so that the IMSI is received by the identity proxy function 850 prior to being processed by the MME 840. In one embodiment, an interface 855 can be established between the identity proxy function 850 and other network components, such as the HSS 860. For example, the interface 855 can enable the identity proxy function 850 to communicate directly with the HSS 860 so as to bypass communication with the MME 840. For instance and as described herein, the identity proxy function 850 can simulate function(s) of the MME 840 such as RES comparison and the interface 855 can enable obtaining data needed for the RES comparison.

System 800 can utilize an identity provisioning function 899 for provisioning information to the communication device 810, such as a reassigned IMSI, nullification information that disables the use of an old IMSI at an original device, an offer to obtain a reassigned IMSI, and so forth. In one embodiment, identity provisioning function 899 can also propagate other information to other network elements, such as notifications that an IMSI from the listing of designated IMSIs has been reassigned or has been removed from the IMSI, an inactive or active status change for a device, and so forth to various network elements such as the HSS 860, the EIR, and so forth. The provisioning or propagation of information to the communication device 810 can be performed in a number of different ways, including utilizing a registration simulation platform (e.g., performing function similar to that of registration simulation platform 675 in FIG. 6), an OTA gateway 880 and/or a messaging gateway 890. The functions performed by the identity proxy function 850 and the identity provisioning function 899 in managing IMSI reuse can vary. In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 850 can be utilized as a point of IMSI screening and further determinations as to what steps should be taken to manage the particular IMSI can be made by the identity provisioning function 899 based on a detection or screening message received by the identity provisioning function 899 from the identity proxy function 850. In other embodiments, the identity proxy function 850 can take a more active role in determinations of the appropriate steps to be taken to manage the particular IMSI.

In one embodiment, the HSS 860 can be provisioned with reassigned IMSIs to facilitate the registration of a new device that has received a reassigned IMSI from an original device. In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 850 can simulate a registration process to force the communication device 810 to generate a RES (similar to the process described with respect to FIG. 5) so that the identity proxy function 850 can determine whether the device requesting registration is an original device or a new device.

In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 850 can obtain an IMSI of the communication device 810 attempting to register and can determine the identity of that device. Based upon the IMSI and the identity of the communication device 810, a determination can be made (e.g., by the identity proxy function 850 and/or the identity provisioning function 899) whether to allow the registration to proceed (to the MME 840), reassign an IMSI to the communication device, provide provisioning information that disables use of the IMSI by the communication device and/or take other appropriate actions to facilitate managing use and reuse of IMSI.

For example, the communication device 810 can initiate an attach procedure by transmitting an attach request to the eNB 825 so that the eNB can derive the appropriate MME from the Radio Resource Control (RRC) parameters carrying the old Globally Unique Mobility Management Entity Identifier (GUMMEI) and the indicated Selected Network. The attach request (i.e., registration request) can be received by the identity proxy function 850 (e.g., from the eNB 825). In one embodiment, the attach request can include a Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity (GUTI) which has the GUMMEI and also has the M-TMSI, which identifies the particular device. This identification allows the identity proxy function 850 to ascertain whether the particular device is a new device that has been reassigned the IMSI from the listing of designated IMSIs or is the original device that was previously associated with the IMSI prior to the reassignment. In this example, the identity proxy function 850 can obtain the IMSI in a number of different ways. For example, if the communication device 810 identifies itself with a GUTI, then the GUTI can be used to derive the old MME/SGSN address, and an Identification Request can be sent to the old MME/SGSN to request the IMSI. In another embodiment, the identity proxy function 850 can send an Identity Request to the communication device 810 to request the IMSI.

In one embodiment such as where the identity proxy function 850 is unable to obtain device identity information (e.g., the GUTI) for the communication device 810, the identity proxy function 850 can simulate the registration process of the MME 840 to obtain information that enables discerning whether the communication device 810 is a new device that has been reassigned the IMSI or is the original device that was previously associated with the IMSI prior to the reassignment. As an example, the identity proxy function 850 can simulate the registration process of the MME 840 so as to obtain a RES generated by the communication device 810 according to an EPS AKA algorithm. From that generated RES, the identity proxy function 850 can detect whether the communication device 810 is the new device that has been reassigned the IMSI or is the original device that was previously associated with the IMSI prior to the reassignment. In this example, the identity proxy function 850 can communicate with other necessary components for obtaining data that is utilized in the registration process (e.g. a mutual authentication process) such as bypassing the MME 840 and communicating via the interface 855 with the HSS 860 to obtain authentication vectors (e.g., RAND, AUTN, XRES, K_(ASME)). The HSS 860 generates authentication vector(s) using the EPS AKA algorithm and forwards them back to the identity proxy function 850. The identity proxy function 850 can select one of the authentication vectors (if more than one was received) and can use it to perform mutual authentication with the communication device 810 by forwarding the RAND and AUTN_(HSS) to the communication device, which then computes RES, AUTN_(UE) and K_(ASME) using the EPS AKA algorithm. The communication device 810 can then compare its own AUTN_(UE) and AUTN_(HSS) received from the identity proxy function 850. Once authenticated, the communication device 810 can forward the RES to the identity proxy function 850, which can then determine from a comparison of the XRES received from the HSS 860 with the RES generated by the communication device whether the particular device is the original device or the new device since different RESs will be generated based on different secret keys (LTE K) stored at different UICCs. In this example, since the identity proxy function 850 requested the authentication vectors, the HSS 860 will provide them back to the identity proxy function via interface 855 rather than providing them to the MME 840.

In one embodiment, rather than utilizing the interface 855, system 800 can utilize first and second identity proxy functions 850 that are positioned between the communication device 810 and the MME 840 and positioned between the MME 840 and the HSS 260 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8), respectively. The first and second identity proxy functions 850 can communicate with each other, such as to bypass the MME 840 when the identity proxy functions 850 are simulating a registration process of the MME 840 and forcing the communication device 810 to generate a RES. In one embodiment, once the identity proxy function 850 has determined the identity of the device (original device vs. new device), the identity proxy function 850 can require that the communication device 810 perform a re-registration.

In one or more embodiments, system 800 enables receiving, by the identity proxy function 850, a registration request associated with the communication device 810 where the registration request includes an IMSI of the communication device. System 800 enables accessing, by the identity proxy function 850, information that identifies a group of IMSIs and that indicates a subset of the group of IMSIs that have been reassigned to other communication devices. Responsive to a first determination that the IMSI is not included in the group of IMSIs or a second determination that the IMSI is included in the subset of the group of IMSIs, system 800 enables providing, by the identity proxy function 850, the registration request to a registration function (e.g., the MME 840 and/or the HSS 860) for completing a registration process for the communication device which allows for communication services at the communication device. In one embodiment, system 800 enables receiving, by the identity proxy function 850, device identification data for the communication device 810. A third determination can then be performed as to whether the communication device 810 is one of the other communication devices that has received a reassignment of one of the subset of the group of international mobile subscriber identities, where the third determination is based on the device identification data, and where the providing the registration request to the registration function for completing the registration process is according to the third determination. In one embodiment, the device identification data comprises an IMEI. In one embodiment, the IMEI is obtained from the communication device 810. In one embodiment responsive to a third determination that the IMSI is included in the subset of the group of IMSIs and that the communication device 810 is not one of the other communication devices that has received a reassignment of one of the subset of the group of IMSIs, system 800 enables providing, via the identity provisioning function 899, the communication device with provisioning information. The provisioning information causes one of disabling use of the IMSI by the communication device, reassignment of another IMSI from the group of IMSIs that is not included in the subset of the group of IMSIs, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the system 800 enables receiving, by the identity proxy function 850, an IMEI from the communication device 810, wherein the third determination is based on the IMEI. In one embodiment responsive to a third determination that the communication device 810 is eligible for service, that the IMSI is included in the group of IMSIs, and that the IMSI is not included in the subset of the group of IMSIs, the system 800 enables removal of the IMSI from the group of IMSIs and further enables providing, by the identity proxy function 850, the registration request to the registration function for completing the registration process for the communication device. In one embodiment, system 800 enables determining a functionality of a universal integrated circuit card of the communication device 810 that stores the IMSI, where the removal of the IMSI from the group of IMSIs and the providing the registration request to the registration function are based on a fourth determination that the functionality of the universal integrated circuit card is compatible with the communication services associated with the communication device. In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 850 is a stand-alone server located between the eNB 825 and the MME 840, and the registration function is performed by the MME 840 utilizing services of the HSS 860. In one embodiment, the provisioning information can be provided to the communication device by the identity provisioning function via an OTA interface, where the OTA instructions go through the identity proxy function 850.

In one embodiment, the system 800 enables receiving, by the identity proxy function 850, a signed response message generated by the communication device 810 based on a random challenge; and performing, by the identity proxy function, a third determination that the communication device is one of the other communication devices that has received a reassignment of one of the subset of the group of IMSIs, where the third determination is based on the signed response message, and where the providing the registration request to the registration function for completing the registration process is according to the third determination. In one embodiment, the system 800 enables providing, by the identity proxy function 850, the random challenge to the communication device 810.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 900. Communication device 900 can serve in whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIGS. 2-6 and 8 and can be configured to perform portions of method 700 of FIG. 7. Where communication device 900 is an end user device, it can include a UICC 975 that stores or otherwise manages use of an IMSI for registering the communication device. In one embodiment, the communication device 900 can be an end user device that performs operations including: providing a registration request that is received by an identity proxy function operating in a server, where the registration request includes a first IMSI of the communication device; responsive to a determination that the first IMSI has been reassigned to another communication device and that the communication device 900 is not the other communication device, receiving provisioning information that includes a second IMSI; and facilitating a registration process that utilizes the second IMSI and that enables communication services at the communication device. In one embodiment, the provisioning information includes disabling information that disables use of the first IMSI by the communication device 900, where the registration process utilizes a secret key that was previously associated with the first IMSI prior to the first IMSI being reassigned to the other communication device, and where the receiving of the provisioning information is responsive to determining that the communication device is eligible for the communication services.

In another embodiment, the communication device 900 can be a network device (e.g., a network server executing the identity proxy function 250, 850 and/or the identity provisioning function 350, 899) that performs operations including: receiving an IMSI of a communication device; accessing information that identifies a group of IMSIs and that indicates a subset of the group of IMSIs that have been reassigned to other communication devices; and, responsive to a first determination that the IMSI is included in the subset of the group of IMSIs and that the communication device is not one of the other communication devices that has received a reassignment of one of the subset of the group of IMSIs, providing the communication device with provisioning information that disables use of the IMSI by the communication device. In one embodiment, the communication device 900 can, responsive to determining that use of the IMSI by the communication device has been nullified, provide a notification to or otherwise perform a removal of the IMSI from the group of IMSIs. In one embodiment, the communication device 900 can, receive an IMEI from the communication device, where the first determination is based on the IMEI. In one embodiment, the communication device 900 can, perform a second determination that the communication device is not service eligible, where the providing the communication device with the provisioning information is responsive to the second determination. In one embodiment, the communication device 900 can, responsive to a second determination that the IMSI is included in the subset of the group of IMSIs and that the communication device is one of the other communication devices that has received a reassignment of one of the subset of the group of IMSIs, providing a registration request to a registration function for completing a registration process for the communication device that enables communication services at the communication device. In one embodiment, the provisioning information enables reassignment of another IMSI from the group of IMSIs that is not included in the subset of the group of IMSIs, and where the communication device 900 can provide a registration request to a registration function for completing a registration process for the communication device utilizing the other IMSI. In one embodiment, the registration process for the communication device utilizing the other IMSI is further based on a secret key that was previously associated with the IMSI prior to the reassignment of the other IMSI to the communication device.

Communication device 900 can include more or less than the components described herein. For example, communication device 900 can comprise a wireline and/or wireless transceiver 902 (herein transceiver 902), a user interface (UI) 904, a power supply 914, a location receiver 916, a motion sensor 918, an orientation sensor 920, and a controller 906 for managing operations thereof. The transceiver 902 can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special Interest Group and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver 902 can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 904 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 908 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device 900. The keypad 908 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device 900 or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 908 can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 904 can further include a display 910 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the communication device 900. In an embodiment where the display 910 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad 908 can be presented by way of the display 910 with navigation features.

The display 910 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, the communication device 900 can be adapted to present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 910 can be equipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the user interface. The display 910 can be an integral part of the housing assembly of the communication device 900 or an independent device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 904 can also include an audio system 912 that utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system 912 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system 912 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI 904 can further include an image sensor 913 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 914 can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the communication device 900 to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 916 can utilize location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device 900 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 918 can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the communication device 900 in three-dimensional space. The orientation sensor 920 can utilize orientation sensing technology such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device 900 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 900 can use the transceiver 902 to also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller 906 can utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device 900.

Other components not shown in FIG. 9 can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communication device 900 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button can be used to reset the controller 906 of the communication device 900. In yet another embodiment, the communication device 900 can also include a factory default setting button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing assembly of the communication device 900 to force the communication device 900 to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. The communication device 900 can also include a slot for adding or removing the UICC 975 (where it is not an embedded UICC). The UICC 975 can be various types of UICCs and can be a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The UICC 975 can be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 900 as described herein can operate with more or less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 9. These variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

The communication device 900 can be adapted to perform the functions of the devices of FIGS. 2-6 and 8 including communication devices 210, 410, 810, as well as the identity proxy functions 250, 850, the identity provisioning functions 350, 899 and other network components described herein. It will be appreciated that the communication device 900 can also represent other devices that can operate in systems 200 and 800. In addition, the controller 906 can be adapted in various embodiments to perform the functions 462 which enables management of the re-use of IMSIs.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of the claims described below. For example, other factors can be utilized to determine whether an original device should receive an IMSI from the designated group of IMSIs (which has not yet been reassigned) or whether the original device should continue to utilize the original IMSI. For instance, even though the original IMSI may not yet have been reassigned, the service provider may desire to reassign another IMSI (from the designated IMSI to be reassigned) such as to facilitate categorizing devices and/or subscribers based on particular groupings of IMSIs.

The exemplary embodiments have been described with respect to GSM and LTE networks 200, 800, respectively. However, the exemplary embodiments can be utilized for managing use of IMSIs in various types of networks. For example in a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network, IMSI management can be performed as described in the exemplary embodiments by intercepting a registration request utilizing an identity proxy function (e.g., positioned between the BSS and the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)). In another example in a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, IMSI management can be performed as described in the exemplary embodiments by intercepting a registration request utilizing an identity proxy function.

In one or more embodiments, other steps or procedures can be implemented when an original device that has been flagged as inactive attempts to register with the network. For example, when an original device whose original IMSI has been re-assigned to another device is detected during a registration request, the network can limit interaction of the original device with the network. For instance, the UICC of the original device can be forced to use a default or bootstrap IMSI which has limited functionality such as being limited to bootstrap functions (e.g., functions that enable communicating with the network for administrative reasons including obtaining a reassigned IMSI), a pay for service mode, and so forth. For instance, a pay for service mode can be implemented by the default IMSI by allowing registration that enables access to a webpage for selecting and paying for particular communication services, such as messaging, voice calls, and so forth. In one embodiment, the default IMSI can be stored by the UICC in addition to the original IMSI. In one embodiment, the provisioning information provided to the UICC can cause the UICC to utilize the default IMSI instead of the original IMSI. In another embodiment, the identity provisioning function 350, 899 can provision the default IMSI to the original device rather than provisioning an IMSI from the designated group of IMSIs. The default or bootstrap IMSI can differ from an original IMSI in that the original IMSI can be utilized by a device (e.g., a new device reassigned the original IMSI or the original device that is re-authorized to utilize the IMSI) for accessing a full range of available services whereas the default or bootstrap IMSI does not provide access to the full range of available services, although the default or bootstrap IMSI could provide access to a webpage for pay for service mode. In one embodiment, a same default or bootstrap IMSI can be utilized by numerous devices that have been flagged as inactive.

In one or more embodiments, the intercepting of the IMSI and determining whether to allow registration to continue by the identity proxy function 250, 850 prevents a failure or other error message from being generated and/or from being provided to the communication device which could have adverse effects on the communication device such as disabling OTA interface of the communication device.

In one or more embodiments, the identity proxy function 250, 850 can cache or otherwise store last successful registration processes for particular devices to utilize that information for determining whether a device requesting registration is an original device or a new device with a reassigned IMSI. In one embodiment, the device identification information (e.g., an IMEI) can be sourced by one or more other network elements. Other embodiments can be used in the subject disclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth, which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a router).

FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a system 1000 that provides communication services to end user devices or other devices, such as communication device 1010. System 1000 can be part of or combined with all or a portion of system 200 of FIG. 2, system 800 of FIG. 8 or another network such as a GPRS or UMTS network. The communication device 1010 can be various types of devices such as a mobile phone or other devices that utilize an IMSI for establishing communication services. The types of communication services can vary including voice services, video, data and/or messaging. System 1000 enables IMSI re-use by the same or other communication devices through use of an identity proxy function 1050 (which can perform some or all of the functions described with respect to identity proxy functions 250, 850) and an identity provisioning function 1099 (which can perform some or all of the functions described with respect to identity proxy functions 350, 899). System 1000 provides for registration of communication devices through use of a registration function 1060, such as an MSC/VLR and/or HLR in a GSM network or an MME and/or HSS in an LTE network.

System 1000 may or may not include intermediate network components in the message exchange paths. In one embodiment, the communication device 1010 can be reassigned an IMSI from a listing of designated IMSIs where the IMSI was previously associated with a different communication device (e.g., which has been flagged as an inactive device). In this example at 1001, the identity provisioning function 1099 can receive a request, be instructed or otherwise determine that an IMSI (in a list of designated IMSIs) is to be reassigned to the communication device 1010. The communication device 1010 can be a new device that needs an IMSI to provide communication services or can be an existing device that requires another IMSI due to some other reason, such as having its own IMSI reassigned to a different device.

At 1002, the identity provisioning function 1099 can notify the registration function 1060 (e.g., the HLR 260 in system 200 of FIG. 2 or the HSS 860 in system 800 of FIG. 8) that the communication device 1010 is now associated with the particular reassigned IMSI. This can include deleting an original IMSI assignment for the communication device 1010 and/or adding the new IMSI assignment for the communication device 1010 in a database, such as of the HLR 260 or the HSS 860. In one embodiment, this notification can cause the HLR 260 or HSS 860 to perform a database update such as re-mapping to particular HLR records, adjusting mapping with respect to MSISDNs, adjusting an identification of available communication services that the subscriber has requested or is authorized to utilize, adjusting GPRS settings to allow the subscriber to access packet services, and so forth. By notifying the registration function 1060 that the communication device 1010 is now associated with the particular reassigned IMSI, the communication device 1010 can now successfully register with the network.

At 1003, the identity provisioning function 1099 can notify the identity proxy function 1050 that the communication device 1010 is now associated with the particular reassigned IMSI or can notify the identity proxy function that an IMSI in the listing of designated IMSIs has been moved to the subset of designated IMSIs due to reassignment to another device (with or without indicating the particular new device that has been reassigned the IMSI). In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 1050 can already be aware that the IMSI is part of the group of IMSIs designated for potential reassignment and can already be aware that an original communication device associated with the particular IMSI has been flagged as inactive. In this example, the identity proxy function 1050 can switch a designation of the particular IMSI to being flagged as within the subset of the designated IMSIs that have already been reassigned to another device (i.e., the communication device 1010 in this example).

System 1000 also illustrates a successful registration of communication device 1010 utilizing the reassigned IMSI from steps 1001-1003. For example at 1011, the communication device 1010 (which has been reassigned the IMSI) can request registration with the network. A registration request including the reassigned IMSI can be received by the registration function 1060 (e.g., an MSC/VLR in a GSM network or an MME in an LTE network). In one embodiment, the registration request can also be received by the identity proxy function 1050. For instance, the registration request can be intercepted or otherwise received by the identity proxy function 1050 and then forwarded to the registration function 1060. A registration process can be performed according to the reassigned IMSI and a secret key that is associated with the communication device 1010. The registration function 1060 can be aware of the secret key associated with the communication device 1010 and can be aware of the reassigned IMSI that is now associated with the communication device. The registration process can be similar to the processes described herein with respect to GSM or LTE networks, such as a comparison of SRES in GSM or a comparison of RES in LTE. At 1012, a successful registration can be communicated to the communication device 1010. The particular messaging that makes up the registration request and the registration process can vary.

FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of a system 1100 that provides communication services to end user devices, such as communication device 1110. System 1100 can be part of or combined with all or a portion of system 200 of FIG. 2, system 800 of FIG. 8, system 1000 of FIG. 10 or another network such as a GPRS or UMTS network. The communication device 1110 can be various types of devices such as a mobile phone or other devices that utilize an IMSI for establishing communication services. The types of communication services can vary including voice services, video, data and/or messaging. System 1100 enables IMSI re-use by the same or other communication devices through use of an identity proxy function 1050 (which can perform some or all of the functions described with respect to identity proxy functions 250, 850) and an identity provisioning function 1099 (which can perform some or all of the functions described with respect to identity proxy functions 350, 899). System 1100 provides for registration of communication devices through use of a registration function 1060, such as an MSC/VLR and/or HLR in a GSM network or an MME and/or HSS in an LTE network.

System 1100 may or may not include intermediate network components in the message exchange paths. System 1100 illustrates an attempted registration by the communication device 1110 utilizing an IMSI that is included in the listing of designated IMSIs (e.g., where the communication device 1110 is an original device that has been flagged as inactive). For example at 1101, the communication device 1110 can request registration with the network. A registration request (e.g., including an original IMSI that is among the listing of designated IMSIs for reassignment or has already been reassigned to another device or an IMSI that is not on the designated list) can be received by the registration function 1060 (e.g., an MSC/VLR in a GSM network or an MME in an LTE network). In one embodiment, the registration request can also be received by the identity proxy function 1050. For instance, the registration request can be intercepted or otherwise received by the identity proxy function 1050 and then forwarded to the registration function 1060. A registration process can be performed according to the original IMSI and a secret key that is associated with the communication device 1110. The registration function 1060 can be aware of the secret key associated with the communication device 1110. The registration process can be similar to the processes described herein with respect to GSM or LTE networks, such as a comparison of SRES in GSM or a comparison of RES in LTE.

At 1102, a registration error can be generated by the registration function 1060 (e.g., an authentication failure message generated by the MSC/VLR and/or HLR in GSM or by the MME and/or HSS in LTE) and can be received by the identity proxy function 1050 from the registration function 1060. In this example, the identity proxy function 1050 can intercept the authentication error message prior to or otherwise to avoid it being received by the communication device 1110. The particular messaging that makes up the registration request, the registration process and/or the registration error can vary. In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 1050 can determine that the registration error is a valid failure for a device that should not be attempting to use the IMSI (such as a third device that is not the original device and is not a new device that has been reassigned the IMSI). For instance, an authentication failure can be received for a device that is not the original device and is not a new device that has been reassigned the IMSI. In this example, the identity proxy function 1050 can allow the error process (e.g., an authentication failure messaging) to proceed. In another embodiment at 1103, a request for reassignment of another IMSI from the listing of the designated IMSIs or authorization to utilize the original IMSI can be provided to the identity provisioning function 1099 from the identity proxy function 1050. For instance, the identity proxy function 1050 can (e.g., in response to receiving the error message) compare the original IMSI associated with communication device 1110 to the list of designated IMSIs and the subset of the designated IMSIs to determine the status of the original IMSI (reassigned vs not reassigned). The identity proxy function 1050 can further determine the identity of the communication device 1110 (original vs new device) based on device identification information (e.g., an IMEI, GUTI and so forth).

In one embodiment, where the error message does not include any device identification information and/or the IMSI, the identity proxy function 1050 can ascertain the device identification information and/or IMSI from the registration request that was previously received or intercepted. For instance, when the identity proxy function 1050 detects a registration error message (e.g., an AUTHENTICATION REJECT message from an MME), the identity proxy function 1050 can detect within the message addressing information, message ID information, correlation ID information, and so forth, and can further correlate the error message with the stored registration request previously intercepted. This enables the IMSI and/or device identification information (e.g., GUTI or IMEI) to be determined.

Continuing with this example and based on this information, reassignment of another IMSI from the listing of the designated IMSIs or authorization use of the original IMSI can be implemented. In one embodiment, the identity provisioning function 1099 can notify the HLR or HSS that the user is valid and the HLR or HSS can perform a database update to enable a subsequent registration utilizing the reassigned IMSI by the device. In this example, the identity proxy function 1050 can also take action, such as preventing forwarding of the failed registration to the device, to cause the device to reattempt the registration. In one embodiment, a determination of a subscriber's eligibility for services can be made. Eligibility for services can be based on various factors such as suspension of services for non-payment or other reasons, the device/UICC is no longer compatible with network or services, and so forth. In another embodiment, a determination of a compatibility of service with a UICC of the communication device 1110 can be made. One or both of these determinations can be part of deciding whether to reassign another IMSI from the listing of the designated IMSIs, to authorize use of the original IMSI, or to deny services to the communication device 1110. These determinations can be made by the identity provisioning function 1099 or can be made by another network element.

If it is determined that an IMSI from the listing of designated IMSIs (which has not yet been reassigned) is to be reassigned to the communication device 1110, then at 1104 provisioning information can be provided by the identity provisioning function 1099 to the registration function 1060 which will enable the communication device to register with the network utilizing the reassigned IMSI in conjunction with an original secret key that is associated with the communication device. In one embodiment, if it is determined that the communication device 1110 is to be permitted to reuse its original IMSI (where the original IMSI has not yet been reassigned to another device), then provisioning information can be provided by the identity provisioning function 1099 to the registration function 1060 which will enable the communication device to register with the network utilizing the original IMSI in conjunction with the original secret key that is associated with the communication device.

If it is determined that a reassigned IMSI is to be provisioned to the communication device 1110, then at 1104 provisioning information can be provided by the identity provisioning function 1099 to the communication device 1110 which will include the reassigned IMSI. As an example, the identity provisioning function 1099 can provide the reassigned IMSI to the communication device 1110 utilizing an OTA interface according to an SMS protocol such as through use of a registration simulation platform (e.g., performing function similar to that of registration simulation platform 675 in FIG. 6). In one embodiment, if it is determined that the communication device 1110 is not to be permitted to reuse its original IMSI (e.g., another IMSI is to be reassigned or the communication device 1110 is not eligible for services), then provisioning information can be provided by the identity provisioning function 1099 to the communication device 1110 to prevent the communication device from attempting to register with the network utilizing the original IMSI. In one embodiment, the identity provisioning function 1099 can further communicate with various network elements (e.g., the identity proxy function 1050, HLR, HSS, EIR, and so forth) so that the network elements are informed of the current state of IMSIs and/or communication devices. For example, if an original device is reassigned another IMSI or an original device is nullified from using the original IMSI via provisioning information then the identity provisioning function 1099 can remove the original IMSI (of that original device) from the listing of designated IMSIs. In these examples, the original IMSI can also then be assigned to another device (if not already reassigned).

At 1106 if another IMSI has been reassigned to the communication device 1110 or reuse of the original IMSI has been authorized, then the communication device 1110 can re-register. For example, the provisioning information provided by the identity provisioning function 1099 to the communication device 1110 can cause the communication device to initiate a re-registration. The re-registration request can be received and processed by the registration function 1060 and based on the provisioning procedures at steps 1104 and 1105, a successful registration message can be provided to the communication device 1110.

FIG. 12 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 1200 used by systems 1000, 1100 for facilitating the re-use of IMSIs. One or more of the steps of method 1200 can be performed by the identity proxy function 1050, the identity provisioning function 1099 and/or by other devices described in FIGS. 2-6 and 8-9. At 1202, an error message can be received that is associated with a communication device. For instance, the error message can result from a registration request that is generated by or caused to be generated by the communication device utilizing an IMSI that is part of the listing of designated IMSIs. As an example in GSM, the identity proxy function 1050 can receive an authentication failure message from a VLR. As another example in LTE, the identity proxy function 1050 can receive an authentication failure message from an MME. In one or more embodiments, the determination of an authentication failure (e.g., by an HLR or HSS) can be based on an IMSI and secret key combination for a device that is flagged as inactive. If there is no determination of an error (e.g., the IMSI is not included in the listing of designated IMSIs or the IMSI has been reassigned to a new device and the registration request is from that new device) then method 1200 can proceed to 1216 so that the registration process can be completed which enables the communication device to obtain services via the network.

At 1204, a screening of the IMSI can be performed by the identity proxy function 1050. For example, the identity proxy function 1050 can determine whether the IMSI is included in the designated group of IMSIs and if so can further determine whether the IMSI is included in a subset of the group which is further designated as having already been reassigned to another communication device. If the IMSI is not part of the designated group of IMSIs then method 1200 can proceed to 1206 for the authentication failure message to be delivered to the communication device 1110. If on the other hand the IMSI is part of the designated group of IMSIs then a determination can be made at 1206 as to whether the error message is for an original device that was associated with the IMSI (e.g., prior to being reassigned) or whether error message is for some other device. The identification of the particular device can be performed in a number of different ways, such as based on device identification information (e.g., IMEI). In one embodiment, where the error message does not include any device identification information and/or the IMSI, the identity proxy function 1050 can ascertain the device identification information and/or IMSI from the registration request that was previously received or intercepted. For instance, when the identity proxy function 1050 detects a registration error message (e.g., an AUTHENTICATION REJECT message from an MME), the identity proxy function 1050 can detect within the message addressing information, message ID information, correlation ID information, and so forth, and can further correlate the error message with the stored registration request previously intercepted. This enables the IMSI and/or device identification information (e.g., GUTI or IMEI) to be determined.

If the error message is not for the original device (e.g., a device that the IMSI was previously associated with prior to being added to the listing of designated IMSIs) then method 1200 can proceed to 1206 for the authentication failure message to be delivered to the communication device 1110. If on the other hand the error message is for the original device then a determination can be made at 1210 as to whether the subscriber of the original device is eligible for communication services. Eligibility for services can be based on various factors and can be determined by various components or a combination of components, such as based on billing, device hardware requirements, device software requirements, and so forth.

If the subscriber of the original device is not eligible for communication services then at 1212 provisioning information can be provided to the original device (e.g., via OTA provisioning by the identity provisioning function 1099 such as through use of the registration simulation platform 675) that causes disabling the use of the original IMSI by the original device. In one embodiment, the IMSI can then be removed from the listing of designated IMSIs.

If on the other hand the subscriber of the original device is eligible for communication services then at 1214 the original device can be authorized to utilize the particular IMSI (e.g., if it is determined that the particular IMSI has not yet been reassigned) or the original device can be provisioned, such as through use of the registration simulation platform 675, with another IMSI (e.g., if it is determined that the original IMSI has already been reassigned to another device) and registration of the device can be completed at 1216.

In one embodiment, the new IMSI reassigned to the original device can be selected from the listing of designated IMSI (which is not included in the subset of IMSIs that has already been reassigned). In one embodiment, the communication device 1110 can be instructed to re-register utilizing the new IMSI if one has been reassigned or utilizing the original IMSI if reuse of that original IMSI has been authorized.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 12, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of a system 1300 that provides communication services to end user devices or other devices, such as communication device 1310. System 1300 can be part of or combined with all or a portion of system 200 of FIG. 2, system 800 of FIG. 8, system 1000 of FIG. 10, system 1100 of FIG. 11 or another network such as a GPRS or UMTS network. The communication device 1310 can be various types of devices such as a mobile phone or other devices that utilize an IMSI for establishing communication services. The types of communication services can vary including voice services, video, data and/or messaging. System 1300 enables IMSI re-use by the same or other communication devices through use of an identity proxy function 1350 (which can perform some or all of the functions described with respect to identity proxy functions 250, 850, 1050) and an identity provisioning function 1399 (which can perform some or all of the functions described with respect to identity proxy functions 350, 899, 1099). System 1300 provides for registration of communication devices through use of a registration function 1360, such as an MSC/VLR and/or HLR in a GSM network or an MME and/or HSS in an LTE network, where an IMSI may or may not be reassigned to the communication device via the identity provisioning function 1399.

System 1300 may or may not include intermediate network components in the message exchange paths. System 1300 illustrates an attempted registration by the communication device 1310 which has been flagged as inactive (e.g., services have been suspended, failure to register over threshold time period, and so forth). The identity proxy function 1350 facilitates registration of devices where the particular IMSI is a bootstrap IMSI 1311 or an IMSI 1312 that the network does not want the communication device to utilize for registration, such as an IMSI that has already been reassigned to another device. FIG. 13 illustrates both of IMSIs 1311, 1312, but the communication device 1310 can have one or the other of the IMSIs, such as stored in a UICC of the communication device. In this embodiment, the identity proxy function 1350 can intercept or otherwise receive the IMSI, such as based on intercepting a registration request (e.g., prior to the registration request being provided to an MSC/VLR and/or HLR in GSM as illustrated in FIG. 2 or prior to the registration request being provided to an MME and/or HSS in LTE as illustrated in FIG. 8). In another embodiment, the identity proxy function 1350 can intercept or otherwise receive the IMSI which is associated with a registration error, such as an authentication failure message as illustrated in FIG. 11. A bootstrap IMSI 1311 can be an IMSI that provides for limited functionality such as being limited to bootstrap functions (e.g., functions that enable communicating with the network for administrative reasons including obtaining a reassigned IMSI), a pay for service mode, and so forth. For instance, a pay for service mode can be implemented by the bootstrap IMSI 1311 by allowing registration that enables access to a webpage for selecting and paying for particular communication services, such as messaging, voice calls, and so forth. The bootstrap IMSI 1311 can differ from an original IMSI 1312 in that the original IMSI can be utilized by a device (e.g., a new device reassigned the original IMSI or the original device that is re-authorized to utilize the IMSI) for accessing a full range of available services whereas the default or bootstrap IMSI does not provide access to the full range of available services, although the default or bootstrap IMSI could provide access to a webpage for pay for service mode. In one embodiment, a same bootstrap IMSI 1311 can be utilized by numerous devices that have been flagged as inactive.

In one embodiment at 1301, the original device 1310 can request registration with the network where the identity proxy function 1350 can determine whether or not the particular IMSI is part of a group of designated IMSIs. In one embodiment, the group of designated IMSIs can include bootstrap IMSIs and/or IMSIs that the network does not want utilized by the original devices (e.g., where the IMSI has already been reassigned to another device). In one embodiment, bootstrap IMSIs can be IMSIs that provide for limited use by a communication device. For instance, the limited use of a bootstrap IMSI can include enabling communication with network element(s) for initiating or otherwise facilitating a registration process and/or provisioning of another IMSI without enabling user communication services (e.g., voice, video, data, messaging) at the communication device utilizing the bootstrap IMSI.

In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 1350 can identify the particular device requesting registration with the network. For example, device identification information (e.g., an IMEI or GUTI) can be obtained for the original device 1310, such as being received from device 1310 (e.g., in the registration request) or obtained from another network element (e.g., from an Identification Request sent to the old MME/SGSN to request the IMSI). As another example, if the IMSI has not yet been reassigned but is part of a group of IMSIs designated for potential reassignment then the identity proxy function 1350 can determine that the device requesting registration is the original device 1310 that has been flagged as inactive. In another embodiment, identification of the device can be based on simulating a registration process and forcing a generation of an SRES (in GSM) or RES (in LTE) by the communication device 1310, as described herein.

In one embodiment, registration simulation platform 675 can be utilized (e.g., positioned between the communication device 1310 and the VLR in GSM or positioned between the communication device and the MME in LTE). As described herein, the simulating network can send an OTA message to the device that can cause the modification of the device IMSI and can cause the device to perform a re-registration to the target network. For example, the simulating network can comprise a set of functional elements that exist in the target network including an MSC/VLR, a MME, a HLR or HSS, an AUC, a SMSC, an OTA platform, a SGW, a PGW, an EIR and/or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the registration simulation platform 675 can simulate a registration of the communication device 1310, identify the communication device from the secret key and/or from other identification information (e.g., IMEI or GUTI) and/or can cause the communication device to change from the bootstrap IMSI 1311 to an active IMSI via OTA.

In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 1350 and/or the identity proxy function 1399 can determine whether the original device 1310 is eligible for services. If the original device 1310 is not eligible for services (e.g., suspension of services for non-payment or other reasons, device/UICC is no longer compatible with network or services, and so forth) then the identity proxy function 1350 can cause or otherwise facilitate or enable provisioning information to be provided (e.g., via the identity provisioning function 1399) to the original device 1310 to cause the original device to disable its use of an original IMSI 1312. In this example, the original IMSI 1312 can then be removed from the designated listing of IMSIs and can instead be included with other IMSIs (e.g., that have never been used before) that are eligible for assignment.

In one embodiment, if the communication device 1310 is eligible for services then the identity provisioning function 1399 can implement a reassignment of another IMSI 1313 (e.g., from a listing of IMSIs that are designated for reassignment) for the device 1310. For example at 1302, responsive to a determination that an IMSI reassignment is warranted (e.g., a bootstrap IMSI is being utilized, the original IMSI has already been reassigned to another device, and/or a subscriber of the original device 1310 is eligible for services) then the identity proxy function 1350 can provide a request to the identity provisioning function 1399 for the other IMSI 1313 or the determination can be made by the identity provisioning function 1399. In one embodiment, the original device 1310 can continue to utilize its original secret key (which is mapped to the original device by the network such as in an HLR or HSS). In one embodiment, the determination of eligibility for services can be made by the identity provisioning function 1399 such that the identity proxy function 1350 automatically transmits the request to the identity provisioning function 1399 for another IMSI responsive to a determination that the IMSI is in the listing of designated IMSIs and the identity provisioning function 1399 can approve or deny the request.

Continuing with this example at 1303, the identity provisioning function 1399 can notify various network elements (e.g., the HLR 260, the AUC 270, an EIR, the HSS 860, and/or a national SIM manager) that the communication device 1310 is now associated with the particular reassigned IMSI 1313. In one embodiment, this transmitting of network provisioning data can cause the HLR 260 or HSS 860 to delete (or otherwise note the change of) an original IMSI assignment for the communication device 1310 and/or add the new IMSI assignment for the communication device 1310 in its database. In one embodiment, this notification can cause the HLR 260 or the HSS 860 to perform a database update such as re-mapping to particular HLR records, adjusting mapping with respect to MSISDNs, adjusting an identification of available communication services that the subscriber has requested or is authorized to utilize, adjusting GPRS settings to allow the subscriber to access packet services, and so forth. In one or more embodiments, the HLR 260 and/or the HSS 860 may or may not have information corresponding to the bootstrap IMSI 1311.

In one embodiment at 1304, the identity provisioning function 1399 can provide provisioning information to the communication device 1310, such as via an OTA interface (e.g., using an SMS protocol such as through registration simulation platform 675). The provisioning information can cause the UICC to be adjusted so that the reassigned IMSI 1313 is now utilized by the communication device 1310 for communication services. At 1305, the communication device 1310 can then attempt to re-register utilizing the reassigned IMSI 1313. The identity proxy function 1350 can receive the re-registration request for the communication device 1310, which now includes the reassigned IMSI 1313, and at 1306-1308 the registration process (e.g., via the VLR 245 and the HLR 260 in system 200 or via the MME 840 and the HSS 860 in LTE) can be completed based on the reassigned IMSI 1313. In one or more embodiments, the identity provisioning function 1399 can provision an NSM with the reassigned IMSI 1313 for the original device where the secret key of the original device is already known. In another embodiment, the identity provisioning function 1399 can be integrated with equipment of the NSM. In one embodiment, a billing system can detect the change in IMSI for the UICC and can provision some or all other network elements necessary for enabling call processing (e.g., HLR 260, AUC 270, MME 840 and/or HSS 860). In one embodiment, the identity proxy function 1350 and/or the identity provisioning function 1399 can provide instructions to the communication device 1310 that causes the communication device to initiate a re-registration utilizing the re-assigned IMSI 1313.

FIG. 14 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 1400 used by system 1300 for facilitating the reassignment of IMSIs where a device is attempting to register utilizing a bootstrap IMSI or utilizing an IMSI that the network does not want the device to continue to utilize. One or more of the steps of method 1400 can be performed by the identity proxy function 1350, the identity provisioning function 1399 and/or by other devices described in FIGS. 2-6, 8-11 and 13. At 1402, an IMSI can be received that is associated with a communication device. For instance, the IMSI can be part of a registration request that is generated by or caused to be generated by the communication device 1310 or can be associated with an authentication failure caused by use of the particular IMSI (e.g., the IMSI has been reassigned and the IMSI/original secret key combination is no longer valid and thus cannot be authenticated). At 1404, a determination of the status of the ISMI can be made. For example, the identity proxy function 1350 can determine whether the IMSI is included in a designated group of IMSIs (e.g., a bootstrap IMSI or an IMSI that the network does not want the device to continue to utilize). In one embodiment, if the IMSI is not part of the designated group of IMSIs then the registration process can be continued by forwarding the registration request and/or IMSI to the registration function 1360 (e.g., MSC/VLR in GSM or MME in LTE) to perform the registration at 1406. If on the other hand the IMSI is part of the designated group of IMSIs then a determination can be made at 1408 as to whether the registration request is for an original device that was associated with the IMSI (e.g., prior to being reassigned) or whether the registration request is for another device (e.g., a new device that has been reassigned the IMSI). The identification of the particular device can be performed in a number of different ways, such as based on device identification information (e.g., IMEI or GUTI), simulating a registration process to force an SRES or RES generation by the device from which the device identification can be determined, and so forth.

In one embodiment, if the registration request and the IMSI are from a new device that has been reassigned the IMSI then the registration process can be continued by forwarding the registration request and/or IMSI to the MSC/VLR (in GSM) or the MME (in LTE) to perform the registration at 1406. In another embodiment, if the registration request and the IMSI are from another device that has not been authorized to utilize the IMSI (and which is not the original device associated with that IMSI) then an authentication failure can be generated. In one embodiment, provisioning information can be sent to that particular communication device which is not authorized to utilize the IMSI, where the provisioning information causes nullification of the use of that particular IMSI by the UICC of that particular communication device.

If on the other hand the registration request and the IMSI are from an original device (e.g., a device that the IMSI was previously associated with prior to being added to the listing of designated IMSIs) then a determination can be made at 1410 as to whether the subscriber of the original device is eligible for communication services. Eligibility for services can be based on various factors and can be determined by various components or a combination of components, such as based on billing, device hardware requirements, device software requirements, user requests, and so forth. In one embodiment, if the subscriber of the original device is not eligible for communication services then at 1412 provisioning information can be provided to the original device (e.g., via OTA provisioning by the identity provisioning function 1399 such as through use of registration simulation platform 675) that causes disabling the use of the particular IMSI by the original device (e.g., where the IMSI is not bootstrap IMSI 1311 but rather is original IMSI 1312). In one embodiment, if the IMSI 1312 has not already been reassigned and the IMSI 1312 is not to be utilized by the communication device 1310 then it can be removed from the listing of designated IMSIs to be provided to another communication device.

If on the other hand the subscriber of the original device is eligible for communication services then at 1414 the original device can be authorized to utilize the particular IMSI (e.g., if it is determined that the particular IMSI has not yet been reassigned) or the original device can be provisioned (e.g., utilizing registration simulation platform 675) with another IMSI (e.g., if it is determined that the original IMSI has already been reassigned to another device or if the IMSI is the bootstrap IMSI 1311). In one embodiment, the new IMSI 1313 that is reassigned to the original device 1310 can be selected from a listing of designated IMSI that are to be reassigned to devices. Method 1400 can then proceed to 1406 where the registration process is completed, such as by forwarding instructions to the communication device 1310 to cause a re-registration. In one embodiment, if the original device 1310 is utilizing the bootstrap IMSI 1311 and eligibility for services is approved then a new IMSI or the original IMSI 1312 will need to be utilized by the original device to access services since the bootstrap IMSI does not provide direct access to the services.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 14, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described herein.

In one or more embodiments, eligibility for services can be determined according to a viability of the UICC, such as whether the UICC can comply with requirements of the network (e.g., it can perform certain security functions, provide certain notifications requested by the network, and/or can facilitate certain communication services). In one embodiment, if it is determined that the UICC is not viable or otherwise is incompatible with the network then the subscriber of the original device can be provided with a request to upgrade the UICC (which may or may not utilize the same IMSI), such as forwarding a message including an offer to the original device. In one embodiment, confirmation that a particular IMSI is no longer being utilized by a communication device can result in that particular IMSI being removed from the listing of designated IMSIs. One or more of the determinations described with respect to any of the exemplary embodiments can be made by the identity proxy function 1350, the identity provisioning function 1399, or another network device.

In one or more embodiments, the communication device 1310 can have both a bootstrap IMSI 1311 and an original IMSI 1312 (e.g., stored in the UICC). In one embodiment, the communication device 1310 or the UICC can switch from utilizing the original IMSI 1312 to utilizing the bootstrap IMSI 1311 responsive to detecting a triggering event. For example, a communication device 1310 can monitor for a time period from a last successful registration of the communication device utilizing the original IMSI 1312. If the time period exceeds a particular threshold (e.g., six months) then the communication device and/or the UICC can switch to utilizing the bootstrap IMSI 1311.

In one or more embodiments, the communication device 1310 can be provisioned with the bootstrap IMSI 1311 and may or may not continue to store and/or utilize the original IMSI 1312 (e.g., stored in the UICC). For example, bootstrap IMSIs can be provisioned to all or some devices via the identity provisioning function 1399 utilizing an OTA interface, such as via SMS or HTTP-based protocol (e.g., through use of registration simulation platform 675). In one embodiment, particular communication devices can be selected for receiving bootstrap IMSIs based on various criteria, such as based on older devices that are predicted to be going offline in the near future, subscriber billing history, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the communication device 1310 can be provisioned with a bootstrap IMSI 1311 at the time that the device receives its IMSI such as a reassigned IMSI 1313. In one or more embodiments, the group of designated IMSIs can include a first subset of IMSIs designated for limited use (e.g., bootstrap IMSIs), a second subset of IMSIs designated as having been reassigned to other communication devices, and/or a third subset of IMSIs designated for potential reassignment but that have not yet been reassigned to other communication devices.

In one or more embodiments, the bootstrap IMSI 1311 can be utilized for providing a subscriber with an option to obtain a reassigned IMSI (e.g., via OTA provisioning by the identity provisioning function 1399 such as by utilizing registration simulation platform 675) and/or to obtain pay for services, such as access to a website that allows purchasing particular services for particular lengths of times, and so forth. In one embodiment, the same bootstrap IMSI can be utilized for multiple device. In another embodiment, different bootstrap IMSIs can be utilized for different devices.

FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of a system 1500 that provides communication services to end user devices or other devices, such as communication devices 1510-1510 n. System 1500 can be part of or combined with all or a portion of system 200 of FIG. 2, system 1000 of FIG. 10, system 1100 of FIG. 11, system 1300 of FIG. 13, or another network such as an EPS, GPRS or UMTS network. The communication devices 1510-1510 n can be various types of devices such as an M2M device, an IoT device, a smart appliance, a utility meter, a fixed device, a mobile device, a vehicle communication system, or other devices that utilize an IMSI for establishing communication services. The types of communication services can vary including voice services, video, data and/or messaging. System 1500 enables the same IMSI to be utilized by more than one communication device such as through use of a steering function in conjunction with unique device identifiers. System 1500 provides for registration of communication devices through use of a registration function, such as an MSC/VLR and/or HLR in a GSM network.

System 1500 may or may not include intermediate network components in the message exchange paths. System 1500 illustrates a registration by a communication device 1510 utilizing an IMSI that is shared with one or more other communication devices (illustrated as 1510 n). Each of the communication devices 1510-1510 n can have unique device identification information (e.g., an IMEI, eUICC platform ID, MAC address, and so forth) and can also utilize their own secret keys for initiating and/or performing the registration process (e.g., generating an SRES).

In one embodiment at 1501, a first communication device 1510 can request registration with the network where the registration request is received by the MSC/VLR 1545. In this embodiment the MSC and VLR are shown as one device but in another embodiment could also be separate devices. In one embodiment, the first communication device 1510 can send both an IMSI and a unique device identifier (e.g., an IMEI) to the MSC/VLR 1545. In another embodiment, this unique device identifier can be identification associated with an eUICC. In another embodiment, a location update message can be utilized for delivering this information to the MSC/VLR 1545. Other techniques for obtaining the unique device identifier can also be employed by system 1500, including use of registration simulation platform 675 of FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the MSC/VLR 1545 can store the IMSI and the device identifier (e.g., indexed to each other), and can use them to uniquely identify the first communication device 1510 (against one or more other communication devices 1510 n that may attempt to register utilizing the same IMSI but would have different device identifiers). In one embodiment, the MSC/VLR 1545 can have the capability of distinguishing between a set of IMSI instances using the IMSI and a unique device identifier.

In one embodiment, the MSC/VLR 1545 can generate an authentication request directed to an HLR 260, such as using (or otherwise including) both the IMSI and the device identifier. In one embodiment, a steering function 1575 can intercept the authentication request and at 1502 can steer it or otherwise transmit it to an HLR based on network policies for the IMSI and device identifier combination. In one embodiment, the steering function 1575 can be integrated with the MSC/VLR 1545. In another embodiment, the steering function 1575 can be a separate device, such as interfacing with the MSC/VLR 1545 via a Diameter Routing Agent. As an example and as illustrated in FIG. 15, multiple HLRs 260 can be utilized where each HLR contains a single instance of a shared IMSI. In this example, the steering function 1575 can determine the appropriate HLR for receiving the authentication request according to the IMSI and the device identifier. Continuing with this example, the HLR 260 may not need to utilize (and/or know) the unique device identifier since it only has one instance of the IMSI and can rely on that IMSI for its database lookup. In another embodiment, a single HLR 260 can be used for shared IMSIs, where the single HLR has the capability of distinguishing communication devices based on an IMSI and a mapping to a unique device identifier as shown in the example of stored data at the HLR shown in FIG. 16.

In one or more embodiments, the combination of IMSI and device identifier would be known by the MSC/VLR 1545, the steering function 1575 and/or the HLR 260 (e.g., where a single HLR is being utilized) prior to an attempt at registration. Once the HLR 260 receives the authentication request, the target HLR can provide authentication triplets to the MSC/VLR 1545 based on the IMSI (e.g., where multiple HLRs are being utilized that each have only one instance of the IMSI) and/or based on the combination of IMSI and unique device identifier (e.g., where a single HLR is being utilized that has multiple instances of the IMSI that are each indexed by a different unique device identifier). In one embodiment, the HLR 260 can communicate with the AUC 270 for obtaining the authentication triplets. The MSC/VLR 1545 can receive the authentication triplets from the HLR 260 and can initiate the authentication procedure with the first communication device 1510. In one embodiment once authentication is successful, the MSC/VLR 1545 can assign a unique temporary ID, such as a P-TMSI, to the first communication device 1510. This unique temporary ID can allow each of the communication devices 1510-1510 n using the shared IMSI to be paged on its own.

In one embodiment, system 1500 can operate without utilizing the registration simulation platform 675 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 6). In another embodiment, system 1500 can operate without utilizing the identity proxy function 250 (e.g., illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6) positioned between the MSC/VLR 1545 and the communication device 1510. In one embodiment, the functionality of the MSC/VLR 1545 and/or the HLR 260 can be adjusted so that IMSI use by different devices can be distinguished according to unique device identifiers (e.g., an IMEI). In one embodiment, the combination of the IMSI and the unique device identifier is known and stored by various network elements (e.g., one or more of the MSC/VLR 1545, the steering function 1575, the HLR 260 and so forth) such as prior to any registration attempt. In one or more embodiments, system 1500 can utilize an identity provisioning function 1599 to provide various network elements (e.g., one or more of the MSC/VLR 1545, the steering function 1575, the HLR 260 and so forth) with network provisioning data such as combinations of IMSIs and unique device identifiers.

FIG. 17 illustrates a portion of a system 1700 that provides communication services to end user devices or other devices, such as communication devices 1510-1510 n. System 1700 can be part of or combined with all or a portion of system 800 of FIG. 8, system 1000 of FIG. 10, system 1100 of FIG. 11, system 1300 of FIG. 13, or another network such as an EPS, GPRS or UMTS network. System 1700 can operate similar to system 1500 but can utilize protocols and components associated with LTE communications. The communication devices 1510-1510 n can be various types of devices such as an M2M device, an Iot device, a smart appliance, a utility meter, a fixed device, a mobile device, a vehicle communication system, or other devices that utilize an IMSI for establishing communication services. The types of communication services can vary including voice services, video, data and/or messaging. System 1700 enables the same IMSI to be utilized by more than one communication device such as through use of the steering function 1575 in conjunction with unique device identifiers. System 1700 provides for registration of communication devices through use of a registration function, such as an MME and/or HSS in an LTE network. System 1700 may or may not include intermediate network components in the message exchange paths. System 1700 illustrates a registration by a communication device 1510 utilizing an IMSI that is shared with one or more other communication devices (illustrated as 1510 n). Each of the communication devices 1510-1510 n can have unique device identification information, such as a GUTI, and can also utilize their own secret keys for initiating and/or performing the registration process.

In one embodiment at 1701, a first communication device 1510 can request registration with the network where the registration request is received by the MME 1740. In one embodiment, the first communication device 1510 can send both an IMSI and a unique device identifier (e.g., an GUTI) to the MME 1740, such as during an initial Attach procedure. In one embodiment, this unique device identifier can be an eUICC platform ID. In another embodiment, multiple messages (Attach Request (IMSI) and Identify Response (GUTI)) can be utilized for delivering this information from the communication device 1510 to the MME 1740. Although, any number of messages can be utilized for obtaining the ISMI and unique device identification, such as a single message or two or more messages. Other techniques can be utilized for obtaining the unique device identification, such as an Identification Request sent to an old MME/SGSN and/or use of registration simulation platform 675 of FIG. 6 for forcing a RES generation. In one embodiment, the MME 1740 can store the IMSI and the device identifier together (e.g., mapped to each other), and can use them to uniquely identify the first communication device 1510 (against one or more other communication devices 1510 n that may attempt to register utilizing the same IMSI but with different device identifiers). In one embodiment, the MME 1740 can have the capability of distinguishing between a set of IMSI instances using the IMSI and a unique device identifier.

In one embodiment, the MME 1740 can generate an authentication request directed to an HSS 860, such as using (or otherwise including) both the IMSI and the device identifier. In one embodiment, the steering function 1575 can intercept the authentication request and at 1702 can steer it or otherwise transmit it to an HSS based on policies for the IMSI and device identifier combination. In one embodiment, the steering function 1575 can be integrated with the MME 1740. In another embodiment, the steering function 1575 can be a separate device, such as interfacing with the MME 1740 via a Diameter Routing Agent. As an example and as illustrated in FIG. 17, multiple HSSs 860 can be utilized where each HSS contains a single instance of a shared IMSI. In this example, the steering function 1575 can determine the appropriate HSS for receiving the authentication request according to the IMSI and device identifier. Continuing with this example, the HSS 860 may not need to utilize (and/or know) the unique device identifier since it only has one instance of the IMSI and can rely on that IMSI. In another embodiment, a single HSS 860 can be used for shared IMSIs, where the single HSS has the capability of distinguishing communication devices based on IMSI and a mapping to a unique device identifier (similar to the example of stored data shown in FIG. 16).

In one or more embodiments, the combination of IMSI and device identifier would be known by the MME 1740, the steering function 1575 and/or the HSS 860 (e.g., where a single HSS is being utilized), such as prior to an attempt at registration. Once the HSS 860 receives the authentication request, the target HSS can provide authentication vectors to the MME 1740 based on the IMSI (e.g., where multiple HSSs are being utilized that each have only one instance of the IMSI) and/or based on the combination of IMSI and unique device identifier (e.g., where a single HSS is being utilized that has multiple instances of the IMSI that are each indexed by a unique device identifier). The MME 1740 can receive the authentication vectors from the HSS 860 and can initiate the authentication procedure with the first communication device 1510. In one embodiment once authentication is successful, the MME 1740 can assign a unique temporary ID, such as a P-TMSI or GUIT, to the first communication device 1510. This unique temporary ID can allow each of the communication devices 1510-1510 n using the shared IMSI to be paged on its own or to otherwise facilitate network services. For instance the unique temporary ID can be assigned to the first communication device 1510 after a successful authentication or at some other time during or after registration.

In one embodiment, system 1700 can operate without utilizing the registration simulation platform 675. In another embodiment, system 1700 can operate without utilizing the identity proxy function 850 positioned between the MME 1740 and the communication device 1510. In one embodiment, the functionality of the MME 1740 and/or the HSS 860 can be adjusted so that IMSI use by different devices can be distinguished according to unique device identifiers (e.g., a GUTI). In one embodiment, the combination of the IMSI and the unique device identifier is known and stored by various network elements (e.g., one or more of the MME 1740, the steering function 1575, the HSS 860 and so forth) such as prior to any registration attempt. In one or more embodiments, system 1700 can utilize an identity provisioning function 1599 to provide various network elements (e.g., one or more of the MME 1740, the steering function 1575, the HSS 860 and so forth) with network provisioning data such as combinations of IMSIs and unique device identifiers.

FIG. 18 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 1800 used by systems 1500 and/or 1700 for facilitating the use of a same IMSI by more than one communication device. One or more of the steps of method 1800 can be performed by various network elements, such as a steering function, a registration function, a VLR, an HLR, an MME, an HSS, and/or by other devices described in FIGS. 2-6, 8-11, 13, 15 and 17. At 1802, an IMSI can be received that is associated with a first communication device attempting to register with a network, where the IMSI has been assigned to one or more other communication devices which may or may not be registered with that network. The one or more other communication devices can be located remoted from the first communication device and/or can be located in proximity thereto, such as at the same premises. In one embodiment, the IMSI can be shared by communication devices associated with the same subscriber. In another embodiment, the IMSI can be shared by communication devices of a same type (e.g. a smart meter) which may or may not be associated with the same subscriber and which may or may not be located in proximity or at the same premises. In one embodiment, HLRs and/or HSSs can be established per subscriber and/or per groups of subscribers. In another embodiment, HLRs and/or HSSs can be established per premises, per groups of premises and/or per geographic locations. In another embodiment, the HLRs and/or HSSs can be established according to device types (e.g. a smart meter) which may or may not be associated with the same subscriber and which may or may not be located in proximity or at the same premises.

For instance, the IMSI can be part of a registration request that is generated by or caused to be generated by the communication device 1510. At 1804, a determination of the status of the ISMI can be made. For example, a VLR or MME can determine that the IMSI is included in a designated group of IMSIs that are shared by multiple devices. In one embodiment, if the IMSI is not part of the designated group of IMSIs then the registration process can be continued (with or without obtaining unique device identification information for the device) by forwarding the registration request and/or IMSI to the registration function to perform the registration at 1806. If on the other hand the IMSI is part of the designated group of IMSIs then a determination of an identity of the particular device requesting registration can be performed. For example, the identification of the particular device can be performed in a number of different ways, such as by receiving or requesting device identification information (e.g., IMEI or GUTI) including via an Attach Request and/or Identify Response in an EPS system, simulating a registration process to force an SRES or RES generation by the device from which the device identification can be determined, and so forth.

In one embodiment at 1808 where multiple registration functions are being utilized that each include only one instance of the IMSI, a selection of a first registration function from among a group of registration functions according to the device identification information can be performed. For instance, the group of registration functions (e.g., HLRs or HSSs) can store subscriber information including IMSIs that are indexed to device identifications. At 1810, an authentication request can be transmitted to the selected first registration function (without being transmitted to any of the other registration functions), where the first registration function stores first subscriber information including the IMSI that is indexed to the first communication device and where a second registration function of the group of registration functions stores second subscriber information including the single IMSI that is indexed to the second communication device. In this example, the second registration function does not store the first subscriber information and the first registration function does not store the second subscriber information. The transmitting of the authentication request to the first registration function can enable the first communication device to complete a registration process. The use of the same IMSI for more than one device as described with respect to FIGS. 15-18 can also be utilized with one or more features described with respect to other embodiments herein, such as OTA provisioning utilizing a registration simulation, bootstrap IMSIs for enabling provisioning of a same IMSI to more than one device, disabling devices from utilizing a shared IMSI such as for suspension of services, and so forth. In one or more embodiments, an identity proxy function and/or an identity provisioning function can be used in conjunction with the steering function 1575 for enabling various features described with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 2-14. In one embodiment, other techniques can be employed that enable OTA interfacing with devices, such as special registration. For example, National Identity Register (NIR) equipment can register devices as warm devices (i.e., providing limited services for non-customers) that allow OTA (e.g. via SMS protocol) to occur. In one or more embodiments, the provisioning of the new IMSI can be performed by utilizing a limited registration that results in the device being a warm device while the IMSI is being provisioned via OTA to that device. In one embodiment, a simulated registration can be performed by a registration simulation platform such as using an original IMSI (without being performed by the registration function) and a second registration can be performed by the registration function using a new IMSI (without being performed by the registration simulation platform).

FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system 1900 within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances of the machine can operate, for example, as the identity proxy functions 250, 850, 1050, 1350, the identity provisioning functions 350, 899, 1099, 1399, 1599, the steering functions 1599, and/or other network elements (e.g., MSC/VLR, HLR, MME, HSS) or end user devices for facilitating the use of the same IMSI by multiple devices, intercepting authentication requests, determining a particular device that is utilizing a shared IMSI, intercepting other messages such as registration requests or error messages, determining identities of devices, and/or managing the use and reassignment of the IMSIs, including through the use of a bootstrap IMSI, and so forth. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network 1926) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 1900 may include a processor (or controller) 1902 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 1904 and a static memory 1906, which communicate with each other via a bus 1908. The computer system 1900 may further include a display unit 1910 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 1900 may include an input device 1912 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 1914 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1916, a signal generation device 1918 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device 1920. In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units 1910 controlled by two or more computer systems 1900. In this configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of the display units 1910, while the remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units 1910.

The disk drive unit 1916 may include a tangible computer-readable storage medium 1922 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 1924) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions 1924 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1904, the static memory 1906, and/or within the processor 1902 during execution thereof by the computer system 1900. The main memory 1904 and the processor 1902 also may constitute tangible computer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs or instructions running on or executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logic components in an application specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Distributed processing environments can include multiple processors in a single machine, single processors in multiple machines, and/or multiple processors in multiple machines. It is further noted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or other suitable device for executing instructions to perform operations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computing device.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 1922 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitory computer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives, devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), and long-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used by computer system 1900. In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can be generated including services being accessed, media consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained by various methods including user input, detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring of this information can be responsive to an authorization provided by the user. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject to authorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selective authorization based on types of data, and so forth.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the features described with respect to an embodiment can also be utilized.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or function unless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, third and so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components, steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or components described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating (e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection) can include less than every step needed to perform the function or can include all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controller or circuit) has been described that performs various functions. It should be understood that the processor can be multiple processors, which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used in supporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processing environment may support one or more virtual machines representing computers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtual machines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may be virtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a state machine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmable gate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when a processor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this can include the processor performing the operations directly and/or facilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or component to perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: selecting from among a group of registration devices, by a processing system including a processor, a first registration device, wherein the group of registration devices stores subscriber information including international mobile subscriber identities that are indexed to device identifications, wherein the first registration device is selected from among the group of registration devices depending upon a value of a first device identification for a first communication device, wherein a single international mobile subscriber identity is associated with a registration request by the first communication device, and wherein the single international mobile subscriber identity is associated with the first communication device and is associated with a second communication device; and transmitting, by the processing system, an authentication request to the first registration device, wherein the first registration device stores first subscriber information, wherein the first subscriber information includes the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to the first device identification for the first communication device, wherein a second registration device of the group of registration devices stores second subscriber information, wherein the second subscriber information includes the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to a second device identification for the second communication device, wherein the second registration device does not store all of the first subscriber information, wherein the first registration device does not store all of the second subscriber information, and wherein the transmitting of the authentication request to the first registration device enables the first communication device to complete a registration process.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first registration device comprises a first home location register (HLR) and wherein the second registration device comprises a second HLR.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first registration device comprises a first home subscriber server (HSS) and wherein the second registration device comprises a second HSS.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first registration device does not store a portion of the second subscriber information that is directed to the second device identification for the second communication device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second registration device does not store a portion of the first subscriber information that is directed to the first device identification for the first communication device.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second communication devices have different secret keys, and wherein a first secret key of the first communication device is utilized in the registration process.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein a temporary identification is provided to the first communication device subsequent to a successful authentication.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first communication device is a machine-to-machine communication device.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication request comprises a first request to verify the single international mobile subscriber identity and a second request for authentication triplets.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device identification comprises an international mobile station equipment identity number.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the second device identification comprises an international mobile station equipment identity number.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication request comprises a first request to verify the single international mobile subscriber identity and a second request for authentication vectors.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device identification comprises a Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the second device identification comprises a Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the processing system comprises a steering function that is co-located with a mobility management entity.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, via an identity provisioning function, network provisioning data to a visitor location register, a mobility management entity, an authentication center, an equipment identity register, a national SIM manager, or a combination thereof, and wherein the network provisioning data indicates an assignment of the single international mobile subscriber identity to the first and second communication devices.
 17. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processing system of a first communication device that includes a processor, facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising: providing a registration request with a single international mobile subscriber identity to a network server, wherein the single international mobile subscriber identity is associated with the first communication device and is associated with a second communication device; and providing a first device identification for the first communication device to the network server, wherein the providing of the single international mobile subscriber identity and the first device identification facilitates the network server transmitting an authentication request to a selected registration device that is selected from among a group of registration devices that store subscriber information including international mobile subscriber identities that are indexed to device identifications, wherein a first registration device of the group of registration devices stores first subscriber information, wherein the first subscriber information includes the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to the first device identification for the first communication device, wherein a second registration device of the group of registration devices stores second subscriber information, wherein the second subscriber information includes the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to a second device identification for the second communication device, wherein the selected registration device to which the authentication request is transmitted is selected depending upon a value of the first device identification for the first communication device, and wherein the transmitting of the authentication request to the selected registration device enables the first communication device to complete a registration process.
 18. The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein: the first registration device comprises one of a first home location register (HLR) or a first home subscriber server (HSS); and the second registration device comprises one of a second HLR or a second HSS.
 19. A device, comprising: a processing system including a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising: receiving a single international mobile subscriber identity associated with a registration request by a first communication device, wherein the single international mobile subscriber identity is associated with the first communication device and is associated with a second communication device, and wherein a first device identification is associated with the first communication device; and transmitting an authentication request to a selected registration device that is selected from among a group of registration devices that store subscriber information including international mobile subscriber identities that are indexed to device identifications, wherein a first registration device of the group of registration devices stores first subscriber information, wherein the first subscriber information includes the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to the first communication device, wherein a second registration device of the group of registration devices stores second subscriber information, wherein the second subscriber information includes the single international mobile subscriber identity that is indexed to a second device identification for the second communication device, wherein the selected registration device to which the authentication request is transmitted is selected depending upon a value of the first device identification for the first communication device, and wherein the transmitting of the authentication request to the selected registration device enables the first communication device to complete a registration process.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the first registration device does not store a portion of the second subscriber information that is directed to the second device identification for the second communication device. 